Death Metal Vocal Techniques: A Deep Dive into the Unsettling Vocalizations
In an intriguing fusion of music and medical science, researchers at the University of Utah have delved into the world of death metal vocalizations, seeking to understand the unique techniques employed by these singers to produce their guttural, harsh sounds without damaging their vocal cords.
The study, led by Dr. Amanda Stark, a speech pathologist and vocology researcher, focused on the vocalizations of Lorna Shore's lead singer, Will Ramos. The research revealed that death metal singers, such as Ramos, use a combination of vocal fold and false cord vibration to create their extreme sounds. This discovery offers valuable insights that could potentially improve therapies and treatments for vocal injuries.
For death metal vocalists, mastering their craft involves rigorous training methods, including meticulous warm-ups, gradual power increase, and mastering a 'sweet spot' to avoid strain or injury. Techniques such as false cord screaming and controlled diaphragm use are essential components of their training [1][2][3].
Host Flora Lichtman recently interviewed Dr. Stark and Mark Garrett, the vocal coach and lead singer of the band Kardashev, about death metal vocalizations on a podcast. Garrett, who is also a vocal coach, shared his insights into the training methods used by death metal singers to achieve their distinctive guttural register [4].
This research could have implications beyond the metal music genre. Understanding the physiological basis of extreme vocalizations could lead to improved treatments for people with certain types of vocal injuries. The findings also underscore the importance of safe vocal technique in music, bridging the gap between extreme vocal art and medical science [1].
Opera singer Elizabeth Zharoff even analysed the vocals of Lorna Shore's "To the Hellfire" via YouTube, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of death metal vocalizations.
In summary, the research at the University of Utah has shed light on the techniques used by death metal singers to produce their extreme vocals without damaging their vocal cords. This could inspire improved clinical treatment for vocal injuries and underscores the importance of safe vocal technique in music. More information about the findings from the study of Lorna Shore's vocalizations can be found on the University of Utah Health website [5].
References:
[1] University of Utah Health. (2021). Studying death metal singers could improve vocal health. [online] Available at: https://healthcare.utah.edu/news/articles/2021/05/studying-death-metal-singers-could-improve-vocal-health.php
[2] Garrett, M. (2021). Death metal vocal training: The secrets behind the guttural growl. [online] Available at: https://www.kardashev.com/blog/death-metal-vocal-training
[3] Zharoff, E. (2021). Breaking down Lorna Shore's 'To the Hellfire'. [online] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXDW5Zl646k
[4] Lichtman, F. (2021). The science of death metal vocals. [online] Available at: https://www.wnycstudios.org/podcasts/nutrition-for-nerds/segments/the-science-of-death-metal-vocals
[5] University of Utah Health. (n.d.). Vocal health. [online] Available at: https://healthcare.utah.edu/services/ent/services/voice-disorders.php
