Death metal is an acquired taste. In fact, most metalheads find it hard to listen to. For whatever reason, I’m drawn to extremes, so death metal is right up my alley. The “blasphemous” lyrics don’t bother me, the chaotic music doesn’t bother me, and the growled vocals certainly don’t bother me. Detractors complain that they can’t understand what is being said. My response…who cares? I listen to music because of the music. I don’t care if it’s Satanic or Christian rhetoric that is being snarled into the microphone. If I connect with the music, then it’s worth listening to.
Prudish listeners proclaim that it takes zero talent to grunt like a wounded beast. Of course, these same people could never get on a stage and do what George (Cannibal Corpse) Fisher does for an hour straight. Extreme vocals take serious talent. You need stamina, endurance, and thick vocal chords. The ability to growl properly is not something that can be taught. You either can or you can’t. In that sense, it’s much like traditional singing. You can only give singing lessons to those who already exhibit a knack for singing. This article won’t tell you how to deliver death metal vocals, but it will help you do it better if you’re already an extreme metal vocalist.
A mistake that most death novices make is growling through their throat. The “cookie monster” effect cannot be reproduced by straining your voice. That will only damage your vocal chords. You have to push through your abdomen. All of your vocal strength comes from the diaphragm. It also helps if your back is in a fixed position. Don’t slouch or leave your spine limp. Inhale and belt out a deep roar by loosening your vocal chords. Your throat has to be relaxed in order for your growl to rumble with intensity. Again, don’t force your voice to crack. If it still doesn’t crack, then your vocal chords simply weren’t made for growling.
Some metalheads disagree with this next tip, but I feel that it’s very important. Don’t smoke, and if you insist on drinking, drink in moderation. Smoking may deepen your voice, but it will also reduce your breath support. Delivering death vocals requires a great deal of energy, and drugs of any sort will only emasculate your staying power. It’s hard enough to scream/growl and headbang without any toxins in your system. Exercise wouldn’t hurt. You’ll need strong neck muscles to support the pressure that extreme metal vocals put on your neck area.
Warm up your voice before recording or performing death metal. “Warmimg up” can mean anything from singing midtone melodies to delivering your vocal patterns in a clean chest tone. Even humming for five minutes would be more beneficial to you than not warming up your voice at all. When performing live, drink lukewarm water in between songs. Cold water shocks the voice and warm water…well, it doesn’t taste that great. Following these simple guidelines will help protect and strengthen your vocal chords. If you don’t sing properly, you may not be singing for much longer.
