Ex-Skid Row frontman Erik Grönwall quit his band last year to recover from his leukemia diagnosis. But the Swedish legend is proving he hasn’t lost an ounce of strength or talent after uploading what has been called the world’s “best version” of The Animals’ greatest hit, “House of the Rising Sun,” leaving fans of the 1964 original stunned and speechless.
Erik wasn’t kidding when he titled this viral vid, “House of the Rising Sun (Epic Dark Version).” His smoky vocals emerge from a ghost-like and gothic piano intro; and where most vocalists would belt the classic lyrics for full effect, Erik restrains himself for a while, patiently building the track’s atmosphere with an unnerving calmness, like an old man telling a demented tale.
Spooky and soothing self-harmonies take reign of the following verses, a prog organ simmering in the background before Erik’s beat finally drops halfway through the track, matched with explosive vocals trained to the perfect moments.
Just as Music Man readers will have sunk into this calm and dark rendition, Erik’s heavy metal history rises from the ashes; a thick wave of distorted guitars commands the track and transforms it from a pop classic to a symphonic metal masterpiece.
If you’re not a fan of metal, don’t let the stereotypes put you off this cover – Erik uses the genre to unload brand new swathes of power on this dusty song, each re-worked riff unimaginable in its immensity, especially once Erik lays his formidable vocals atop the heart-stopping soundscape. A key change welcomes a whole new level of Gothicism, dark and industrial gospel choirs padding Erik’s show-stealing high note before he winds down to a bluesy melody.
But Erik isn’t finished with his innovations just yet. A Tim Burton piano riff leads the track to its soft and spidery closure, Erik showing off his falsetto vocals in an emotional moment, glazed with the aura of a killer confessing his sins.
Amassing 1.8 million views within just two months of the video being uploaded to YouTube, Erik managed to tap into the souls of Animals fans who have been singing this song for decades. The video has now hit 9.5 MILLION views.
Countless old-school fans have taken to the comments section to share their surprise, writing, “I’m 70 years old and this is the best version I’ve ever heard. You are a talent like no other,” and “I’m old and jaded. I’ve heard many versions of this song. This is the first time I’ve gotten chills.” Another comment, liked by Erik himself, compares this version to the original, writing, “The original is a sepia print and this has taken it to a 3D Ultra-HD picture. Absolutely stunning cover.”
And while fellow cancer survivors have been personally moved by Erik’s current thriving state, one fan commented on what’s on every viewer’s mind: “Sung with such passion I can believe this young man has lived it.”
Erik Grönwall’s transformation of “House of the Rising Sun” has certainly established him as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his remarkable resilience and talent. His haunting rendition captivates listeners with its dark, theatrical flair, proving Erik’s artistry is stronger than ever. For those eager to delve deeper into this captivating artist’s journey and music, explore the links below.