Heavy metal song with pig squeal

The Use of Pig Squeals in Heavy Metal Music

Heavy metal music is known for its aggressive and intense vocals that push the boundaries of extreme music. One distinctive vocal technique that has gained popularity in the genre is the use of pig squeals. This unique vocal style adds an extra layer of brutality and intensity to the music, creating a visceral and impactful listening experience. In this article, we will explore the early use of pig squeals in extreme brutal-death vocals, the innovative approach of using wild boars as vocalists, and the presence of pig squeals in the deathcore genre.

Early Use of Pig Squeals

The early use of pig squeals in extreme brutal-death vocals can be traced back to bands like Devourment and Disgorge (US) in the 90s. These bands pioneered the technique, incorporating high-pitched, guttural screams that resemble the squealing sounds of pigs. The pig squeals added a new dimension to the already aggressive vocal style, creating a more animalistic and ferocious atmosphere in the music.

Wild Boars as Vocalists

In a unique approach to utilizing pig squeals, musician Valentin the Mad recorded the instrumental parts of a death metal song and captured the actual pig squeals of wild boars in Haifa, Israel, to use as vocals in the song. Valentin took advantage of the brutal noises made by the wild boars that roam the streets of his home city. Armed with a shotgun mic, he ventured out into the city, sampling and filming the local pigs to capture their intense squeals.

Valentin explains, “As far as I remember, wild hogs were always present in the city, but in recent years, there has been a massive increase. In some neighborhoods, seeing them became a daily occurrence. I borrowed my friend’s B-tuned guitar and, in the following weeks, I was walking around town late evenings and nights with my camera and a handheld recorder, sampling and filming the local pigs. So yes, all the vocals you hear in the song are autotuned street hogs from my city.”

This unconventional approach demonstrates the creativity and experimentation within the heavy metal genre. By incorporating the actual sounds of wild boars into the music, Valentin the Mad creates a raw and visceral sonic experience that pushes the boundaries of extreme music.

Pig Squeals in Deathcore

While pig squeals are more commonly associated with death metal, there are also deathcore bands that incorporate this vocal technique into their music. Deathcore is a genre that combines elements of death metal and metalcore, characterized by its heavy breakdowns and aggressive vocals.

Some rising deathcore bands pushing the genre forward include AngelMaker, Babirusa, Brand of Sacrifice, Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, Paleface, Shadow of Intent, To the Grave, Vexed, and Worm Shepherd. These bands utilize pig squeals alongside other vocal techniques to create a brutal and intense sound that resonates with fans of extreme music.

Overall, pig squeals have become a distinctive and recognizable vocal style within heavy metal music. From their early use in extreme brutal-death vocals to the innovative incorporation of wild boars as vocalists, pig squeals add a unique element to the genre, elevating its intensity and brutality. Whether in death metal or deathcore, pig squeals continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in heavy metal music.

Sources:

1. Forum, Metal Archives. “Early Use of Pig Squeals.” Metal Archives, 2021, https://forum.metal-archives.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=103150.
2. Metal Sucks. “Here’s a Death Metal Song with Wild Boars on Vocals.” Metal Sucks, 14 August 2020, https://www.metalsucks.net/2020/08/14/heres-a-death-metal-song-with-wild-boars-on-vocals/.
3. Revolver. “Beyond Breakdowns and Pig Squeals: 10 Rising Bands Pushing Deathcore Forward.” Revolver, 18 December 2020, https://www.revolvermag.com/music/beyond-breakdowns-and-pig-squeals-10-rising-bands-pushing-deathcore-forward.

FAQs

What is a pig squeal in heavy metal music?

A pig squeal is a distinctive vocal technique used in heavy metal music, characterized by high-pitched, guttural screams that resemble the squealing sounds of pigs. It adds an extra layer of intensity and brutality to the music.

Which bands pioneered the use of pig squeals in heavy metal?

Devourment and Disgorge (US) are among the bands that pioneered the use of pig squeals in extreme brutal-death vocals during the 90s. They incorporated this vocal technique to create a more ferocious and aggressive atmosphere in their music.

How did Valentin the Mad incorporate wild boars into a death metal song?

Valentin the Mad, a musician from Haifa, Israel, recorded the instrumental parts of a death metal song and captured the actual pig squeals of wild boars in his city. He used a shotgun mic to record the intense squeals of the wild boars, adding a raw and visceral element to his music.

Why did Valentin the Mad choose to use wild boar squeals as vocals?

Valentin the Mad took advantage of the presence of wild boars in his city and saw an opportunity to incorporate their brutal noises into his music. He found inspiration in the increasing presence of wild boars and decided to capture their unique vocalizations to create a distinct and experimental sound.

Are pig squeals limited to death metal, or are they present in other genres?

Although pig squeals are commonly associated with death metal, they can also be found in other genres, particularly deathcore. Deathcore bands often incorporate pig squeals alongside other aggressive vocal techniques to create a brutal and intense sound.

Can you provide some examples of rising deathcore bands that use pig squeals?

Some rising deathcore bands that incorporate pig squeals into their music include AngelMaker, Babirusa, Brand of Sacrifice, Lorna Shore, Mental Cruelty, Paleface, Shadow of Intent, To the Grave, Vexed, and Worm Shepherd. These bands utilize pig squeals to enhance the heaviness and brutality of their sound.

How have pig squeals contributed to the evolution of heavy metal music?

Pig squeals have brought a new level of intensity and aggression to heavy metal music. They have expanded the vocal repertoire of musicians, allowing them to create more brutal and impactful compositions. Pig squeals have become a recognizable and distinct element of the genre, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in extreme music.

Can pig squeals be achieved without actual pig vocals?

Yes, pig squeals can be achieved without using actual pig vocals. Musicians often use various vocal techniques, such as guttural growls and high-pitched screams, to emulate the sound of pig squeals. These vocal techniques, combined with proper breath control and vocal distortion, can produce convincing pig-like sounds.