Melodic metal fans rejoice! Thirteen years after his solo debut, acclaimed vocalist from Narnia’s faux swansong and Divinefire’s finale, Germán Pascual is bringing his sophomore solo album to light. Given his reputation, I’m amazed he doesn’t have more recording credits, but that doesn’t matter because when he sings, folks notice. Is this the new beginning or an oasis in a desert?
Germán was born in Uruguay, grew up in Brazil, and moved to Sweden in his teens, so he has seen a bit of the world. He actually started his musical journey as a drummer. However, a band overheard him joking about singing and instead of getting mad, they offered him a chance to sing, which became a turning point for the young Germán. Since then he has lent his voice to many bands and projects such as Mind’s Eye, Essence of Sorrow, and Heartwind besides Narnia and Divinefire. After the dissolution of Divinefire, he turned towards a solo career with the release of his debut “A New Beginning” in 2012, which received much acclaim. After a decade plus of singing for other projects and life happening, the stars aligned for Germán’s sophomore release.
“Beyond Our Comprehension” is a great collection of heavy melodic metal songs that sound quite comfortably next to Narnia or Divinefire. The powerful, energetic, melodic vocals demonstrate that Germán still dishes out quality hooks while holding his own against a powerful riffing machine in Jani Stefanovic. I like that Germán balanced his vocals with solid music making a complete musical experience instead of holding the spotlight for himself. It reminds me of how guitar virtuoso Chris Impelliterri has the legendary Rob Rock for his “solo” band. This is definitely on the heavier end for melodic metal with symphonic elements adding depth.
The human voice is psychologically the most beautiful instrument and Germán’s voice, for all of the grandiose instrumental trappings around it, is the star of the album, balancing melody and grit without falsetto. He’s a dead ringer for Narnia’s Christian Liljegren with power, melody, and metal timbre, but also able to handle the softer dynamics such as the ballad-esque “Breach My Despair.” It isn’t all just melody, as “Masque of Vengeance” shows Germán at his more aggressive against some intensely fast riffing and shredding.
I can hear this as a lost Divinefire album with its tendency towards the motorythmic riffs, dancing symphonic synths, and hard hitting drums with a focus on consonance, all from the mind of Jani Stefanovic. The drums particularly are excellent as they maneuver the songs through perilous meters and tempos, keeping everything in lockstep. “The Great Divide” and “Masque of Vengeance” particularly show the riffing tour de force that I crave in metal. However, it sounds like it’s been done before. One drawback is the mix feels a little muddy, taking away some of the bite in the sound, particularly when the drums get moving and I want to feel the double pedal attack in my chest. Once it gets going, I notice the muddiness less, but there is an opportunity for a cleaner final mix to make the songs pop.
Of the 10 songs on the album, three are exactly the same, except for the language. The first time “Perfect Harmony” is in English, but then reprisals in Portuguese and Spanish respectively were added as bonus tracks. It’s a pretty good song, definitely on the sweeter end of the sound spectrum with a slight AOR twist. Since the lyrics were written by both Germán and his wife, connecting three languages that probably mean the most to Germán, I can understand the multiplicity of this track. He has been working on this album in some form or the other for the last 15 years, and having the support of family is necessary to get it done. It starts to feel personal.
This has been a labor of love. Rather than letting it die in development hell, Germán pulled together a very competent and enjoyable album for which I am glad to review. Fans of Narnia or Divinefire will especially enjoy this release as well as fans of melodic power metal. It feels a little like Germán is tying up loose ends as he prepares for the next leg of his musical journey with his new Bethesda project in collaboration with Veni Domine band members. Before that takes off, be sure to check out “Beyond Our Comprehension.”
Rating: 8/10
Written by Sean Bailey
Tracklist
1 – Can You Save Me
2 – Through Fire and Brimstone
3 – The Great Divide
4 – Breach My Despair
5 – Perfect Harmony
6 – Masque of Vengeance
7 – Send Me Out
8 – Time For Salvation
9 – Perfect Harmony (Portuguese version)
10 – Perfect Harmony (Spanish version)
Personnel:
Germán Pascual – lead vocals
Jani Stefanovic – all instruments
Patrik Gardberg – lead guitar on “Can You Save Me,” “The Great Divide” and “Masque Of Vengeance”
Tom Gardiner – lead guitar on “Through Fire And Brimstone”
Release Date: October 31, 2025
Record Label: Roxx Records
Discography:
2012: A New Beginning (review)
2025: Beyond Our Comprehension
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Video for Perfect Harmony
Video for Through Fire and Brimstone