Captain Graveyard – Chasing Rainbows (2021)
Melding elements of metal, nu-metal and electronica, Dutch/Scandinavian trio Captain Graveyard are a boisterous, hard-hitting breath of fresh air. I could compare the group to Slipknot, Judas Priest or Mindless Self Indulgence, but I would not be doing Captain Graveyard justice. Far more forceful in their style, the trio transcends traditional forms of metal in a boundary-breaking way. Featured on Metal Noise, Insane Blog, New Fury Media and Stereo Stickman, the band is gaining attention across the globe. The latest addition to their repertoire is a cover version of ‘Chasing Rainbows’.
Unlike the original ‘Chasing Rainbows’, performed by Big Freedia and Kesha, Captain Graveyard adopts a heavier approach. While the initial version is a blending of soul and electro-pop, this new version takes an extreme left-turn hitting the other end of the spectrum combining heavy metal with elements of alternative rock. In fact, the change is so extreme you would be forgiven for taking this as an original single.
Ear-splitting from the get-go, ‘Chasing Rainbows’ plunges you into a mind-blowing whirlpool of sound. If sound were a colour, this track would be a kaleidoscopic swirl spinning you around and around and around… It makes sense, though, as the track is Captain Graveyard’s tribute to the LBGTQ+ community.
What I find intriguing about the single is the merging of softer, steadier vocals and loud, aggressive screams (for lack of a better word). The dip into bold, rich verses is superbly met with a crescendo into blood-pumping choruses. A combination of pounding drums and dynamic guitars carries the vocals with an oddly flowing and harmonic tone. This is particularly interesting as the instrumentation enhances a frenzied state while retaining control in the sound.
While I am not a fan of metal, I found ‘Chasing Rainbows’ to be a wonderous experience. Far more interesting than the original and definitely one I would listen to again. If this track is anything to go by, Captain Graveyard are ones to watch.
In addition to the single, Captain Graveyard released a music video for ‘Chasing Rainbows’. The video can be viewed here.
For more from Captain Graveyard, check out their Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
