Peyton Parrish’s rendition of “The Sound of Silence” stands out among the myriad covers of this folk-rock classic by putting a unique spin on Disturbed’s famous remake rather than simply echoing the original by Simon and Garfunkel. With Disturbed’s version amassing a whopping 892 million views on YouTube and boasting a dedicated fan base, Parrish’s decision to take on this iconic interpretation showcases his confidence as an artist.
Right from the start, it’s evident that Parrish isn’t merely replicating Disturbed’s rendition. While David Draiman of Disturbed begins with a melodic piano backdrop, Parrish introduces a drone element that sets the stage for his own deep, throaty take on the opening lines, contrasting with Draiman’s more operatic baritone.
Moreover, whereas Disturbed’s version builds to a grand, orchestrated climax, Parrish achieves a similar effect using traditional rock instruments, infusing the song with his own intense energy. As aptly noted by Stephyjay, viewing Parrish’s rendition as an evolution of the track rather than a mere cover allows for a deeper appreciation of its unique qualities.
Parrish’s latest album, “The Most Magical Album On Earth,” released on February 24, 2023, offers a departure from his previous works, featuring covers of Disney classics spanning the past three decades. From Mulan to Frozen, The Lion King to Tarzan, Parrish infuses each track with his signature style, as exemplified by his electrifying rendition of “Hoist The Colours” from Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World’s End, which has already garnered 1.1 million views on YouTube.
Born in Washington DC in November 1996, Parrish’s musical journey has seen him evolve from pop-country beginnings to embracing heavier, rock-influenced sounds, particularly after delving into Viking mythology and Nordic metal. His breakthrough came with the viral success of his cover of “My Mother Told Me” from the Assassin’s Creed Valhalla video game in 2020, which was later featured in the TV show Vikings.
In August 2022, Parrish further solidified his Viking-themed niche with the release of “Rise of the Vikingr,” an album blending chants, heavy metal, and thematic explorations of Viking life, love, and warfare. Notably, Parrish’s affinity for Viking culture has resonated strongly with audiences, reflected in his top-viewed YouTube videos, which predominantly feature Viking-themed content.
While Parrish’s Viking-inspired works have garnered significant attention, his cover of “I’ll Make A Man Out Of You” from Mulan serves as a reminder of his versatility and ability to captivate audiences across diverse musical realms. As he continues to explore new horizons, Peyton Parrish’s musical journey promises to remain as dynamic and multifaceted as ever.