Death metal, a subgenre of heavy metal music, is characterized by its aggressive sound, complex guitar riffs, and, most notably, its guttural vocal style. This vocal technique, often referred to as “death growling,” is a distinctive feature of the genre, adding to its intensity and dark atmosphere. However, many wonder how death metal singers can produce such harsh sounds without damaging their vocal cords. This article delves into the techniques, training, and precautions that death metal vocalists employ to maintain their vocal health and longevity.
Understanding Death Metal Vocals
Death growls are a type of vocalization that involves producing a deep, throaty sound, often achieved by manipulating the false vocal cords, also known as vestibular folds, rather than the true vocal cords. This technique is crucial for preventing vocal damage, as it allows singers to create powerful, distorted sounds without straining their primary vocal cords.
The Anatomy of the Voice
To comprehend how death metal singers protect their voices, it’s essential to understand the basic anatomy of the human voice. The primary components involved in sound production are:
Vocal Cords (Vocal Folds): Located in the larynx (voice box), these are the main structures responsible for sound production. They vibrate to create vocal sounds when air passes through them.
False Vocal Cords (Vestibular Folds): Situated above the true vocal cords, these are not typically involved in regular speech. However, they play a significant role in producing the deep, growling sounds characteristic of death metal.
Diaphragm: This muscle aids in breath control, essential for supporting the vocal cords during singing.
Techniques for Safe Vocalization
Proper technique is paramount for death metal singers to avoid vocal strain and injury. Some of the techniques they use include:
1. Breath Control
Diaphragmatic breathing is crucial for all singers, especially those performing in demanding styles like death metal. This technique involves using the diaphragm to control airflow, providing the necessary support for powerful vocalizations.
How it works: Singers take deep breaths, filling their lungs from the bottom up, allowing for greater control over their exhalations. This reduces the strain on the vocal cords by ensuring that the sound is supported by a steady stream of air.
2. False Cord Growling
Utilizing the false vocal cords is a fundamental technique in death metal singing. This method involves engaging the false cords to produce a growling sound, which significantly reduces the strain on the true vocal cords.
Execution: Singers manipulate the position and tension of the false vocal cords to create the desired sound. This technique requires practice and control to master, as improper use can still lead to vocal strain.
3. Vocal Fry
Vocal fry is a low, creaky sound produced by loosely vibrating the vocal cords. This technique is often used in combination with false cord growling to achieve a deeper, more resonant growl.
Benefits: Vocal fry helps in warming up the vocal cords and can be a less intense method of producing harsh vocal sounds, reducing the risk of damage.
Training and Vocal Health
To maintain their vocal health, death metal singers often undergo rigorous training and follow strict vocal care routines. Here are some key practices they adopt:
1. Professional Training
Working with a vocal coach who specializes in extreme vocal techniques can be invaluable. Coaches provide guidance on proper technique, breath control, and exercises tailored to the singer’s needs.
2. Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs
Warming up the vocal cords before singing is essential to prepare them for the intense activity. Similarly, cooling down after a performance helps to relax the vocal cords and prevent strain.
Warm-up exercises: These may include gentle humming, lip trills, and vocal sirens to gradually engage the vocal cords.
Cool-down exercises: Gentle vocalizations and stretches can help ease any tension built up during performance.
3. Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining vocal health. The vocal cords need to be well-lubricated to function properly, and dehydration can lead to dryness and irritation.
Hydration tips: Singers are advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid dehydrating substances like caffeine and alcohol.
4. Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for overall vocal health. This includes getting adequate rest, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Rest: Ensuring adequate rest helps the body and vocal cords recover from strenuous use.
Diet: A diet rich in vitamins and minerals supports overall health, including the health of the vocal cords.
Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about death metal vocals that need to be addressed:
1. It’s All Screaming
Many people believe that death metal vocals are just uncontrolled screaming. In reality, they involve specific techniques and control to produce the desired sound without causing harm.
2. It’s Inherently Damaging
While it may seem like producing such harsh sounds would inevitably damage the voice, proper technique and training can prevent injury. Many professional death metal vocalists have long careers without significant vocal issues.
3. Anyone Can Do It
Attempting death metal vocals without proper training and technique can lead to serious vocal damage. It’s essential to approach this style with respect for the necessary skills and preparation.
Case Studies of Renowned Death Metal Vocalists
To illustrate the effectiveness of proper technique and training, let’s look at some renowned death metal vocalists and their approach to maintaining vocal health.
1. George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)
George Fisher is known for his powerful, guttural growls. He emphasizes the importance of breath control and diaphragmatic support in his singing technique. Fisher also follows a strict routine of vocal warm-ups and cool-downs to ensure his voice remains in top condition.
2. Angela Gossow (Ex-Arch Enemy)
Angela Gossow, a pioneering female vocalist in the death metal genre, has spoken extensively about her vocal technique. She credits her vocal longevity to professional training, proper technique, and a healthy lifestyle. Gossow’s use of false cord growling and vocal fry has allowed her to produce intense vocals without significant strain.
3. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth)
Mikael Åkerfeldt combines clean singing with death growls, showcasing his versatility as a vocalist. He emphasizes the importance of balancing vocal techniques and taking care of his voice through hydration, rest, and regular vocal exercises.
See Also: Top 12 Musicals for Metalheads!
Conclusion
Death metal vocals are a demanding and intricate art form that requires skill, training, and care to execute safely. By employing techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, false cord growling, and vocal fry, and by following rigorous vocal care routines, death metal singers can produce powerful, harsh sounds without damaging their voices. Understanding the anatomy of the voice and the importance of professional training, hydration, and a healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining vocal health and longevity in this intense genre.
