What’s So Great About Heavy Metal Screaming Music?

A look at the unique appeal of heavy metal screaming music and why it continues to be popular with fans around the world.

A Bit of History

Heavy metal screaming is a vocal technique employed in heavy metal music. It usually involves someone singing very loudly and aggressively with a lot of power and emotion. The technique rose to popularity in the 1980s with bands like Metallica and Megadeth. Let’s take a look at the history of heavy metal screaming and how it’s evolved over the years.

Where did screaming in music come from?

The use of screaming as a form of vocal expression in music can be traced back to the early days of metal and rock. In fact, one of the earliest examples of screaming in music comes from none other than Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. Plant can be heard screaming towards the end of the song “Communication Breakdown.”

How did it evolve?

Heavy metal screaming is a style of vocalization that has its roots in hardcore punk and extreme metal. The technique was popularized by singers like Steve Austin of the band Strong Intention, and today, it is a staple of the metalcore and deathcore genres.

While heavy metal screaming may seemingly be a recent phenomenon, the truth is that it has been around for decades. One of the earliest examples can be found on the song “Bored to Death” by Black Flag, which was released in 1981. The singer, Henry Rollins, can be heard utilizing a similar style of vocalization throughout the track.

In the years that followed, many other hardcore punk and extreme metal bands would adopt the use of heavy metal screams in their music. Today, it is one of the most commonly used techniques in these genres, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

The Different Types of Screaming

Heavy metal screaming is a vocal style typically used in heavy metal music. It usually involves vocalists using a high-pitched, guttural sound. There are different types of screaming, each with their own unique sound.

High-pitched screams

Heavy metal screaming is a vocal style usually employed by singers in the hard rock and heavy metal music genres. Oftentimes, the screams are intended to add to the overall aggressive sound of the music.

High-pitched screams are screams that fall within a higher range on the vocal spectrum. They are often used in fast-paced or aggressive songs as they can add to the sense of urgency or intensity. Many people believe that high-pitched screams are more difficult to perform than lower screams, as they require more control and breath support.

Some well-known heavy metal singers who use high-pitched screams include Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour, Till Lindemann of Rammstein, Chester Bennington of Linkin Park, Jonathan Davis of Korn, and Mitch Lucker of Suicide Silence.

Low-pitched screams

Low-pitched screams are usually associated with death metal and other heavy metal subgenres. These screams are usually deep and guttural, and they can be quite difficult to imitate. Low-pitched screams are often used to create a sense of terror or dread, and they can be very effective in building up tension in a song. If you’re a fan of heavy metal music, then you’ve probably heard low-pitched screams used in some of your favorite songs.

Growls

Growling, also called death grunting, guttural vocals or death metal vocals, is a vocal style usually employed by death metal singers but also used in other heavy metal subgenres. Growls can be executed with proper breathing techniques and by using the voice in the lower range of one’s natural vocal register. This vocal style is usually written in notation as “low growling”. When producing growls using proper vocal techniques, it is said that a feeling of vibration should occur in the singer’s chest.[1] Some singers might feel uncomfortable when first trying to sing this way because it can place stress on the vocal cords. If not properly executed, growls may cause permanent damage to the vocal cords which could lead to nodules or polyps.[2][3][4]

There are two main types of growls: low growls (also called “barks”[5]) and high growls (sometimes called “shrieks”). Low growls are typically produced lower down in the singer’s range (often below E4[citation needed]), whereas high growls are produced higher up in their range (usually above F4).[6][7][8]

Why Do People Love It?

It’s intense, passionate, and for some, therapeutic. It can be a way to let out aggression in a safe and controlled manner. It can also be a form of self-expression. Some people simply enjoy the sound of it and find it to be aesthetically pleasing. Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that people love heavy metal screaming music.

It’s cathartic

People love heavy metal screaming music because it is cathartic. It helps them to release their emotions and to feel better.

It’s a release

For some people, listening to music is a way to relax and unwind. For others, it’s a way to get pumped up and ready for action. And for others still, it’s a way to release all of the pent-up anger and frustration that they may be feeling.

Heavy metal screaming music is often seen as being angry and aggressive. And while that may be true for some metal music, it’s not always the case. Some metal songs are actually quite beautiful and melodic. But even the heavier, more aggressive songs can be seen as having a positive message. They’re about standing up for yourself, being true to who you are, and not taking crap from anyone.

So if you’re looking for a way to let out some aggression, or if you just want to headbang to some great tunes, then heavy metal screaming music might be just what you need.

It’s empowering

metal screaming music is empowering for a number of reasons. First, it’s a way to release all your pent-up aggression and rage. You can scream along to the music as loud as you want, and no one can tell you to stop. It feels liberating to let out all that anger without having to worry about what other people think.

Second, metal screaming music is empowering because it makes you feel strong and tough. When you’re headbanging and moshing to the music, you feel like you can take on anything. The aggressive energy of the music makes you feel like nothing can bring you down.

Third, metal screaming music is empowering because it’s a form of self-expression. You can wear whatever you want to a metal concert, and no one is going to judge you. You can be yourself without having to worry about fitting in or being accepted.

Fourth, metal screaming music is empowering because it gives you a sense of community. When you’re at a metal concert, you feel like you belong somewhere. You’re surrounded by people who share your love of the music, and who understand what it’s like to be an outsider.

Finally, metal screaming music is empowering because it reminds you that you’re not alone. Whenever life gets tough, you can put on your favorite metal album and know that there are others out there who understand how you feel.

Why Do People Hate It?

Heavy metal screaming is a type of extreme metal singing that uses screaming as a primary vocal style. It is usually characterized by shouted vocals, distorted guitars, and extremely fast drums. Some people love this type of music because it is so aggressive and intense. Others find it to be noisy and overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look at why people hate heavy metal screaming music.

It’s too aggressive

There are a lot of different reasons why people might not like metal screaming music. Some might find it too aggressive or intense, while others simply don’t like the way it sounds. For some people, it can be a combination of both.

Whatever the reason, there’s no denying that metal screaming music can be an acquired taste. It’s not for everyone, but that’s okay. Just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you.

If you’ve never been a fan of metal music, then chances are you’re not going to suddenly start liking it just because someone tells you to. It’s not going to happen. So don’t force yourself to listen to something that you don’t enjoy. Just move on and find something else that better suits your taste.

It’s too loud

Heavy metal screaming is a controversial music style that is often criticized for being too loud. Some people find the screaming vocals to be abrasive and off-putting, while others enjoy the aggressive sound.

There is no denying that heavy metal music can be loud. In fact, many fans of the genre enjoy the fact that it is one of the loudest types of music out there. However, this can also be a downside, as the loud volume can be overwhelming for some people.

In addition to being loud, heavy metal screaming is also often very fast-paced and frantic. This can make it difficult to understand the lyrics, which can further turn some people off from the genre.

Despite its detractors, there are also many people who enjoy heavy metal screaming. These fans appreciate the aggressive sound and say that it provides an adrenaline rush. They also enjoy the sense of community that comes with being a fan of this type of music.

It’s just noise

People who don’t like screaming in metal call it “just noise.” They say it’s grating, or unpleasant to listen to. And to be fair, if you’re not used to it, it can be tough to get into. But that’s part of the appeal for many fans: it’s a style of music that is aggressive and intense, and the screaming is just another way to express that.

There are also people who simply don’t like metal music in general, and they see the screaming as a turn-off. They may find it off-putting or even offensive, and they’re not interested in giving it a chance.

Whatever the reason, there are plenty of people out there who don’t enjoy metal music with screaming vocals. But there are also plenty of fans who love it, and they would argue that the screaming is an essential part of the experience.