AboutSteven Gibb Expertise Ask me anything, details about specific bands, albums, artwork, members(past or present), tours, songs, differences between sub genres, history of metal. You can also ask me questions about metal guitarists or guitars in general. I can help you discover more bands with ease!
Experience I have been a big fan of this style of music for years, have learned about many bands and styles as I am guitarist in a metal band.
Expert: Steven Gibb Date: 6/27/2007 Subject: I NEED HELP WITH BLACK METAL VOCALS!!!
Question okay, i'm 16 years old and i've been trying to work on a black metal solo project. When i try singing i think i'm using my throat because after just a little while the back of my throat starts to hurt. Can you tell me how i can get raspy vocals but not hurt my throat? I see lots of other people saying you have to use your gut. can you tell me how to achieve this? thanks
Answer Hi there, I will try to explain this as easy as i can. At 16 your voice isn't fully developed...not saying about your voice breaking or anything, you may still have a deep voice, but your cords are still developing, so trying harsh vocals at a young age can cause permanent damage. Now we have gotten past that nonsense...
1. Listen to any album using harsh vocal techniques. I assume you already do. Do not try to imitate a vocalist in particular, get your own style.
2. Learn how to sing properly. The most important technique for performing death/black metal vocals is to be able to control your breathing, establishing a balance between the force used by your diaphragm and your vocal cords. Using only the vocal cords will put undue pressure on them and is sure to damage them (minor damage will heal in time). Proper technique is established by using the diaphragm to push air out of your lungs.
3. Try going sssssss quietly and then increase in volume. The feeling in your stomach is your diaphragm, the push. This is what you want to feel when performing death metal vocals.
4. Pick a lyric you want to perform. Always try to pick songs from bands who do not use the death grunts as it will be easier to rehearse your grunts. Try singing it normally, then slowly add more "fire" to it, until you can feel your diaphragm really pushing and you're getting that deep sound you're looking for. If you don't succeed in the deep guttural vocals try the raspier approach to these vocals. Anyone can achieve this. So long as your vocal range is Alto or lower. If you are a Soprano, don't even try. This will help you achieve the vocals. Once you have control you can make them sound raspy
