Q&A for How to Do Harsh Death Metal Vocals

If done incorrectly, it can cause damage. However, many death metal singers use a technique in which there’s minimal friction between the vocal cords, similar to the way a baby screams and cries without hurting their throat.

The death metal growl is a stylistic choice that’s also meant to convey the intense emotion of the song. Many singers (and listeners) find the intensity of death metal growling to be satisfying and cathartic, and also feel that it matches well with the style of the instrumentals.

It’s hard to pin it down to a specific individual, but one of the first known recorded examples appears in the 1966 song “Boris the Spider,” by The Who.

Yes, it can. Many metal singers will alter their technique to avoid straining the throat if they're a smoker.

That means your technique is based more in your actual vocal chords instead of the "false chords" you use for proper growling technique.

Practice using your false chords, as the bleeding would be caused by straining your vocal chords.

Probably not. There are many famous singers without tonsils.

I usually turn up the volume so my voice blends in with the music. The rest is just a matter of getting used to it. It doesn't matter what someone else might think, as long as you are having fun.

Yes, it is normal. However, I would avoid inhales, as it can damage your vocal cords.

Don't extend yourself beyond your voice rang, for starters.

Fry screaming is easy to do for long periods of time because it doesn't take much air. Practice singing along to some of your favorite songs and see how long you can hold a note. The more you practice, the longer you will be able to hold notes.

It's not a necessity but it's a good starting point, as the basics for the techniques are the same. Having a good knowledge (and ability) with singing is a good place to start. This way you can practice the techniques with much lower risk of vocal strain by building on what you already know, rather than jumping straight into the risky business.

No, there are some female artists that have a somewhat light voice when speaking normally. Also, mid range screeches and howls work too.

Fry is almost an entirely different beast. Make a noise to sound as if you were a small girl. You should feel the sound as if it's coming from your head. It's the same thing, just use a lot more force and apply typical screaming technique to it and you should be golden.

Yes, that is okay, but I suggest you stop for a little while once you begin to feel soreness. Singing too much without proper techniques or without the help of a professional can damage your vocals chords to a point where they can't be helped anymore.

It shouldn't hurt at all. If it does it means you're doing something wrong. It's natural to feel some strain, because people aren't supposed to scream, but it should not hurt. If you feel like your voice is changing it's because you're hoarse from screaming. Take a break and make sure you're following all the steps in the article correctly.

No, but it may affect your pronunciation. Your growls/screams should always be from the vocal chords/diaphragm.

Think of talking softly with vocal fry. Try to transform it into screaming or make it sound like screaming without using too much force.

Try drinking some water before doing this. Practice on a daily basis to get used to it.

Inhale without moving your chest and shoulders. Your belly should stick out, and that's breathing with your diaphragm.

I sing that song with my band. Best thing I’ve found is lower your jaw more toward your chest. Don’t be afraid to flip into your throat voice or your falsetto (head voice) if need be. The best thing about covering songs is you can do it your way. If you can’t reach it, lower it and put your own badass twist on it!

You really don't want to. His unclean vocals have only gotten worse and worse over time, and he's caused a lot of damage to his vocal cords. I would really recommend focusing on bettering your technique and finding your own voice.

It depends on the album. In Iowa he was actually just screaming very violently.

Its nothing to worry about, just keep practicing and keep experimenting with your voice to find where you fit in.

Realistically, the gargling and lozenges don't do anything. Your vocal folds are part of your windpipe, not your esophagus. Unless you inhale the liquid mixture or the lozenges. The best thing you can do for your voice is steam inhalation. The best way to do it is to get a steam ventilator, but if you can't do that/don't want to, just boil some water and waft the steam towards your face and inhale. Don't inhale it directly, steam can burn. Really hot showers with as little ventilation around the curtains can help with this too.

Yes, it is quite likely. Baritones will be able to get lower than an alto.

Screaming is just like singing. Your breathing should be controlled. That being said, tightening your abs is an excellent way to push air out of your diaphragm in a controlled manner.

Look up a vocalist on YouTube named Andy Cizek. If you want that raspy scream, he has a tutorial of how to fry scream. This might help you.

When you speak, your vocal folds/cords create sound waves that travel through the air to reach your inner ear. This means that your voice usually sounds fuller and deeper to you than it really is. When recorded, you actually hear yourself the way other people hear you.

If done correctly, you shouldn't be using too much air. You can compress to limit the amount of air and still have a scream.