Karma – Beyond Death by Germany-based artist Pascal Grandjean is an album that would hit you in ways you wouldn’t expect. From its opening notes up to the very end, this 14-track collection will keep you seated as it introduces you to the world of Grandjean and his musicality. Furthermore, as a person who loves to contemplate and spends a whole lot of time contemplating philosophical life questions, this great mix of rock, classical music, and rock ballads would not only make you enjoy its top-tier music but will also make you think about life and the complexities of your very existence. Believe me when I say this album surprised me in the best possible way.
“Paradise” served as the opening for this whole collection, and I am not joking when I say that the vibe gives off a whole opening scene for a musical theatre. The piece starts with a soft ambient sound, and as it calms your soul, a raging and booming energy erupts and expands just like its sound. And the vocals-those vocals are amazing. There’s no other best way to describe it, which is why I said it wasn’t something I’d expected for an album. This track is powerful, theatrical, and downright magical, with the added effects of haunting chords and notes from the harp and piano. This track is like a portal that opens an alternate dimension, and this might sound like I’m exaggerating (I’M NOT); this whole piece has the ability to transport you elsewhere upon listening. It embodies its own title – Paradise, a song that definitely is heavenly and enchanting in its own way.
Now comes “Fairytale,” a song that again embodies its name. In fact, the first impression that I get when the first notes hit is that it’s like listening to a Disney Song, the type where the evil witch is about to prick the princess with the curse needle. It was an enchanting listen with female vocals that are dreamlike, soft, and expressive, laced with a mix of harp, violin, and grand piano; this is an absolute banger that is nothing short of perfection.
“Etheral Matter,” on the other hand, is the type of song that would make you feel grounded because of its calming synths and some soft beats that give off a soft pop vibe. Regardless of that, it still maintains the top-tier quality and depth that this artist offers for this whole collection because, for this track, the vocals and lyricisms are all clear and expressive, something that is accentuated more by the great combination of piano notes laced by synths throughout the piece.
In this collection, Grandjean drops a couple of instrumental tracks, such as Interlude: Hardening, Interlude: Acceptance, and Interlude: Hindsight, and these tracks carry a certain kind of mystery laced on every note that they produce. The instruments such as piano, harp, and violin, with the careful, plucks of notes from the artist, have managed to create a song full of emotions that do not need words to express or relay them. These tracks are the kind of pieces that can easily be used in classic films or musicals like Phantom of the Opera or The Magic Flute – they are powerful and potent even without any lyrics to convey their message.
The fun continues with the track Dying Hard, which is packed with intense piano and violin infused with rock n roll that builds up into the climax. Sure enough, this track is a roller coaster of emotions since it’s cinematic because of the way it is produced with its highs and lows, but then when classic meets rock on this track, that is when the magic really comes out, and this is a track that sounded so new, yet felt familiar.
Finally, my favorite track from this whole collection is a track called “Die to Live,” a song that perfectly encapsulates my life at the moment. This song is a home run as it reflects on life and things that you’ve been through, and as someone who’s currently in the middle of a quarter-life crisis, it felt like listening to a friendly conversation while listening to this song. It’s personal and really comforting with its punk-rock ballad style; it feels like a familiar warmth from your favorite comfort blanket.
I can’t stress enough how great the album “Karma-Beyond Death” is. What stood out to me the most is the quality of the pieces compiled in this collection. This type of sound is rare in the musical landscape these days: it is elegant, incredibly well-executed, expressive, well-produced, and well-written. Other tracks like “Way To Hell,” “Hell and Out,” The School, Totally Calm, Insight, and Back to Paradise are also featured in this collection, and all these tracks add their own character and flavor to this project. Whether through their well-produced and unique production or reflective lyrics, these tracks will surely be both emotionally satisfying and brilliant on their own terms.
So, what are you waiting for? Check out and follow Pascal Grandjean on his social media accounts and listen to their latest album, “Karma-Beyond Death.” This album is definitely for you – it is an enjoyable listen, has well-written songs, and is performed in the most entertaining and reflective way. Stream “Karma-Beyond Death” by Pascal Grandjean now!
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About the Author
Tine Quirino, also known as Kristine, is a writer (frustrated one), a dreamer (serial sleeper), an INFJ (also INTP/J), a (professional) fangirl, and a good listener (‘literally and figuratively,’ she states).
She is just here, lurking somewhere, enjoying all your music. Music of any kind is still music, after all.
