Growling in heavy music

Growling in Heavy Music: Exploring the Vocal Technique and Its History

The vocal technique known as death growl has become a prominent feature in extreme styles of music, particularly in death metal and its subgenres. This article delves into the origins, characteristics, and misconceptions surrounding death growls, highlighting key facts sourced from reputable publications and online resources.

Definition and Characteristics

Death growl is an extended vocal technique characterized by guttural and harsh sounds, which contribute to the abrasive and intense nature of death metal music [1]. Contrary to popular belief, death growls are not solely about yelling or screaming but require clean/melodic vocal techniques to be executed properly [5]. Vocalists in death metal bands often employ very deep, beast-like growls that may be perceived as unintelligible. However, it is important to note that many bands also incorporate high, screechy, or operatic vocals to add variety to their sound [4].

History and Influences

The roots of death growls can be traced back to earlier vocal styles in heavy music. Vocalists such as Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead and Conrad Lant of Venom employed a low, aggressive pitch that can be considered precursors to the death growl [7]. However, the recognizable death growls that we associate with death metal emerged later.

Anecdotal accounts suggest that harsh vocals were used in Viking songs and 11th-century plays, indicating a history that extends further back than one might suppose [9]. The association between harsh vocals and the Devil has also been present for centuries, as seen in Hildegard’s 11th-century play “Ordo Virtutum” [9].

In the context of modern music, the use of recognizable death growls can be traced back to songs like “Boris the Spider” by The Who in 1966 and “Tubular Bells (Part 2)” by Mike Oldfield in 1973 [9]. These early examples laid the foundation for the development of death growls in the heavier and more extreme genres that followed.

Misconceptions and Vocal Health

One common misconception surrounding death growls is that they solely rely on aggressive yelling or screaming. However, vocalists who employ this technique understand the importance of maintaining proper vocal health to avoid permanent damage [5]. Death growls require a combination of vocal control, technique, and breath support to achieve the desired sounds without straining the vocal folds.

Improper use of growling techniques can lead to vocal damage, such as edema and polyps on the vocal folds [5]. Recognizing the potential risks, vocal coaches and resources like “The Zen of Screaming” by Melissa Cross provide guidance on utilizing growling and screaming techniques safely [5].

Conclusion

Death growls have become an integral part of extreme music, contributing to its intense and aggressive nature. This vocal technique, characterized by guttural and harsh sounds, has a rich history rooted in earlier vocal styles and influences. Contrary to misconceptions, death growls require proper vocal technique and can be traced back to earlier examples in music history. As vocalists continue to push the boundaries of heavy music, understanding the nuances and importance of vocal health remains essential.

Sources:

1. Heavy Chronicle: “Death Metal Growl: Explanation, History & How-To” (https://www.heavychronicle.com/all-things-metal/death-metal-growl-explanation-history-how/)
2. Wikipedia: “Death growl” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_growl)
3. Heavy Blog is Heavy: “Harsh Vocals: A History” (https://www.heavyblogisheavy.com/2017/01/19/harsh-vocals-a-history/)

FAQs

What is growling in heavy music?

Growling in heavy music refers to a vocal technique commonly used in extreme styles of music, particularly in death metal and its subgenres. It involves producing guttural and harsh sounds that contribute to the intense and aggressive nature of the music.

How are death growls different from other vocal styles?

Death growls are distinct from other vocal styles in heavy music due to their deep, beast-like quality. While many death metal vocalists utilize low, growling vocals, some bands also incorporate high, screechy, or operatic vocals to add variation to their sound.

Can anyone learn to growl in heavy music, or is it a natural talent?

While some individuals may have a natural inclination or aptitude for growling vocals, anyone can learn and develop the technique with proper training and practice. It requires vocal control, technique, and breath support to achieve the desired sounds without straining the vocal folds.

Are death growls damaging to the vocal cords?

When done correctly and with proper vocal technique, death growls should not cause permanent damage to the vocal cords. However, improper and excessive use of growling techniques can lead to vocal damage, such as edema and polyps on the vocal folds. It is crucial for vocalists to prioritize vocal health and seek guidance from vocal coaches or resources specializing in heavy vocal techniques.

How do growling vocal techniques contribute to the overall sound of heavy music?

Growling vocal techniques play a significant role in shaping the aggressive and intense atmosphere of heavy music. The harsh and guttural sounds of death growls complement the heavy instrumentation, amplifying the raw and abrasive nature of the music. They are often associated with darker and more morbid lyrical themes, aiming to evoke chaos, death, and misery.

Are there historical influences on the use of growling vocals in heavy music?

Yes, there are historical influences on the use of growling vocals in heavy music. Anecdotal accounts suggest that harsh vocals were used in Viking songs and 11th-century plays, indicating a longer history of this vocal style than one might suppose. Additionally, the association between harsh vocals and the Devil has been present for centuries, as seen in Hildegard’s 11th-century play “Ordo Virtutum.”

Who are some notable vocalists known for their growling in heavy music?

There are numerous notable vocalists known for their growling in heavy music. Some prominent examples include George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of Cannibal Corpse, Chris Barnes of Six Feet Under, and Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth. These vocalists have made significant contributions to the development and popularization of death growls within the heavy music scene.

Can growling vocal techniques be traced back to earlier forms of music?

Yes, elements of growling vocal techniques can be traced back to earlier forms of music. The low, aggressive pitch used in death growls by vocalists like Lemmy Kilmister from Motörhead and Conrad Lant of Venom may be considered precursors to the death growl. Furthermore, recognizable death growls can be found in earlier songs like “Boris the Spider” by The Who in 1966 and “Tubular Bells (Part 2)” by Mike Oldfield in 1973, which laid the foundation for the development of death growls in heavier and more extreme genres.