Techniques for Safely Singing Heavy Metal: Protecting Your Voice While Pursuing Extreme Vocal Styles

As a guitarist and singer considering a technical death metal project and a power metal project, it's crucial to master proper vocal techniques to protect your voice without compromising your artistic expression. In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of safe heavy metal singing, focusing on techniques that can help you maintain your vocal health while achieving powerful and intense vocal performances.

Understanding Vocal Technique

All vocal techniques, from clean singing to falsetto, to strohbass and flagotel, to head voice and chest voice, to mixed voice and even Mongolian throat singing, are driven by the same central principle: the diaphragm. Effective utilization of your diaphragm is the key to avoiding common vocal damages such as throat strain and unhealthy distortion. Not overstressing your vocal cords and maintaining control over your voice should always be the foundation of extreme vocal techniques.

Mastering Diaphragmatic Breath

The first step in safe heavy metal singing is mastering diaphragmatic breath control. Unlike shallow chest breathing, diaphragmatic breathing utilizes the diaphragm as the primary muscle for inhalation. Here’s how to do it:

Take a deep, relaxed breath by allowing your belly to expand as the air falls down into it. You should feel your belly-button area rise gently as you inhale, but avoid lifting your shoulders. Exhale by using your abdominal muscles to push the air out. Aim for a steady, controlled stream of air. Practice speaking with this breathing technique, noticing that your voice naturally becomes louder and more resonant as you maintain a consistent note.

Exploring Mongolian Throat Singing and Death Metal Techniques

Now that you have a solid diaphragmatic breathing foundation, let’s delve into specific techniques used in Mongolian throat singing and death metal styles.

Mongolian Throat Singing

Mongolian throat singing, also known as overtone singing, requires a different approach. To achieve the rich, distorted timbre you desire:

Start by singing a proper note with proper support. Imagine growling like a Rottweiler, which will cause the note to descend an octave almost immediately. Concentrate on maintaining this lower note, focusing on resonance and sustain.

Death Metal Techniques

Death metal vocals typically involve more atonal and aggressive sounds. You can achieve this by:

Imagining you are barking or growling like a Rottweiler. Pretending to clear your throat discreetly in a crowded theater to feel the placement of the sound in your throat. Using your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to push out a steady stream of air and produce a rich, deep growl that can be sustained over time.

Practicing Vowels and Unique Voice Identity

While focused on extreme metal styles, it is essential to maintain consistent practice with your vowels. This practice can affect pitch and lead to different tones, enhancing your vocal versatility:

Regularly practice your vowels using various techniques to explore different sounds and tones. Embrace the unique qualities of your voice, as these characteristics define the depth and range of your vocal performances. Reliance on your ears and proper technique is key to achieving the best results.

Conclusion

By understanding and mastering proper vocal techniques, you can safely pursue heavy metal music without putting undue stress on your vocal cords. The key lies in mastering diaphragmatic breathing and consistently practicing your techniques. Remember, the unique characteristics of your voice are part of your artistic identity, and embracing them will help you create a distinct and powerful sound.

Untap your full potential as a heavy metal vocalist and enjoy the journey of developing your voice while staying true to your artistic aspirations.