Photo by Kristin Hoebermann
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If you’re a singer, you should be following Claudia Friedlander’s blog. The classically-trained, New York-based voice teacher provides sage advice not only for singers for all types, but also for musicians and people in general.
Although at least one of her students sings metal, Friedlander knows virtually nothing about it. I wondered what she would think of some of metal’s most classic male singers – the foundation of the artform. It’s rare to find someone who isn’t familiar with any of these singers. Her perspective would be a fresh one, free of cultural baggage. I sent her five completely unidentified songs. Her comments are below. I have also included initial reactions she sent me immediately upon hearing the singers.
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A CLASSICAL SINGER ANALYZES 5 CLASSIC MALE METAL SINGERS
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1. Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden – “The Number of the Beast” (1982)
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Initial reaction: “The first two guys are so impeccable that they’re each in their own way presenting a manifesto on how to sing well, irrespective of musical genre”.
I have nothing but admiration for this singer. Listen how he starts off with a soft growl, then moves seamlessly into a well-supported, sustained high full-voice sound that then evolves into an effortless long scream! His diction is easily intelligible, regardless of the range he’s singing in or the effect he’s going for. He achieves an intensely rhythmic delivery of the lyrics without losing legato and musical momentum, something a lot of classical singers struggle with, especially when interpreting the many staccato and accent markings that crowd scores by Bellini, Donizetti, etc.
A couple of observations for my classical readers:
There is a visceral dramatic intensity driving this singing. Many rock and metal singers are tenors who sustain much higher, much longer than operatic tenors are ever required to. It’s not just the microphone that makes this possible. These guys are singing their guts out with incredible commitment. Intention is a very powerful thing.
Notice the rasp that occasionally colors his sound. This is an effect that is totally distinct from strain – his entire larynx and throat needs to be completely loose and free to respond this way. In some of the following examples, you’ll hear singers deliberately making their voice more shallow, shrill, nasal or “harsh”. If they know what they’re doing, they can set up all of these effects without creating resistance and strain. You can tell the difference in much the same way you would listen to a classical singer – free singing is like a massage, while entangled singing makes you sympathetically tighten up your own throat.
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2. Ronnie James Dio
Black Sabbath – “Falling Off the Edge of the World” (1981)
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This is another very fine singer. His voice is so naturally resonant – he reminds me of Freddie Mercury. Like the first singer, he performs with perfect legato, clear diction, and a consistent, organic vibrancy. He arranges his resonance space to create a shallow snarl without setting up any resistance for his breath. You can tell how healthy his delivery is from the way he moves in and out of brief moments of harmony with the other tracks with impeccable intonation.
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3. King Diamond
Mercyful Fate – “Gypsy” (1984)
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Initial reaction: “There is some unfortunate studio magic here that made me think there was more than one singer, because they edited out the evidence of him shifting from full-voice singing to that crazy high countertenor thing he does (I assume he did this live all the time); how he moves from one to the other is what makes him amazing, and I want to hear the gears shifting”.
Here is some impressively artful singing. He begins in full-voice tenor fraught with sobbing verismo-like ornaments and then wails in an ultra-high, very focused countertenor, alternating these two approaches throughout the song, at times even within the same phrase. But not only do I not understand a single word he’s saying, I don’t even know what the overall message or emotion of the song is supposed to be! It is true of classical singing as well as for any other style: there is no need to sacrifice communication for the sake of stunning effects like this. All I hear is virtuosity. At first it’s cool, then it gets boring, and you shouldn’t feel bored listening to metal.
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4. Ozzy Osbourne
Black Sabbath – “War Pigs” (1970)
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Initial reaction: “Fourth guy is just bad throaty singing… Made my throat tight to listen to him. How long did his career last?”
This is a singer with decent diction and good musical instincts but no command of vocal technique. He is massively over-adducting his vocal folds while driving enough air through them to get them to speak, but his throat is so tight that there is no flow or resonance. His rhythmic punctuation of the lyrics is very distracting, in contrast with Singer #1 who delivered his text with rhythmic accents that served, rather than detracted from the flow of music and poetry. It hurt my throat so much to listen to him that I was tempted to ask Cosmo how long his career lasted before he either washed out or needed surgery. The entire range of his singing is contained within a single octave – with the exception of the moment when he yells “Oh Lord!” a little higher, in my opinion the only quasi-free vocal sound on the entire track.
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5. Rob Halford
Judas Priest – “Dreamer Deceiver” (1976)
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Initial reaction: “Last guy is super talented and the only one I really wish I could get my hands on. He demonstrates several mad skills, but they aren’t well-integrated. It doesn’t matter so much because he is so committed, expressive, and musical, but I could have helped him do it easier and better”.
This singer has a fabulous range of vocal colors and effects to choose from. His diction is easy to understand, and his phrasing is lovely throughout. He begins with such a high, gorgeous, resonant messa di voce that I was surprised to hear how low his actual full singing voice sits once he moved into it. Clearly he had been singing with a somewhat elevated larynx when he started out so high, and later in the song when he moves into a more shrill, high sneer or a scream you can tell his larynx is in a much higher position once again. The high singing and screaming is still relatively free, but I feel that it would be even more impactful if he would master a vocal technique that would enable him to better integrate all of these different things he does so well, primarily with the goal of incorporating the depth and resonance of his natural low sound into the high stuff. He is the only one of the five who I truly wish would visit my studio some time.
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This was a very unique and entertaining post. What other metal writer would do this?
I found it amazing to hear that she had never heard Ozzy’s voice before. I’m gonna get totally shit on for saying this, but I agree with what she says. He’s got an awful voice. It’s nasal as all fuckin hell. Maybe that’s one of the reasons people focused on the instruments so much, and got stoned to listen to it.
What was the other thing I was gonna say… oh yes, I got the book Mastery on her suggestion. Anybody who is serious about their art needs to check it out.
Another thing I’d like to mention for the scientifically inclined is what she says about listening to Ozzy’s voice being painful: “It hurt my throat so much to listen to him that I was tempted to ask Cosmo how long his career lasted before he either washed out or needed surgery.”
Mirror neurons, anyone?
This is great. Not that metal needs some sort of recognition from the ‘outsider’ media but it is always interesting to find out what people that are in the craft think about metal singers. I agree with most of her assessment.
One of the best on IO for a long time. Very useful outsider look. It helped me to realize from the beginning again why some singers like Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford command such presence. For me after all this years it’s an internal thing that has much to do with what they’re singing about and not so much how they’re doing it. But for someone coming fresh to Priest or Maiden the shock of these singers must be considerable. Impact, intention and clarity are very important. A lot of extreme metal singers could try to integrate the latter two in their otherwise impactful growling/screaming.
Awesome post. Good to see Halford, Dickinson, King and RJD get props someone outside the metal scene. Ms Friedlanders observations are thoughtful and spot-on… I would be interested in her thoughts on death and black metal vocal stylings also.
As for Ozzy, he might not be the most classically gifted singer out there, but damn it I’ll always love his vocals on the old stuff. No one sounds quite like him.
This was a very, very interesting post… liked it very much. I would like to hear her take on some perhaps less classic metal singers… for instance, Simen Hestenaes’s performance in “The Chaos Path” for Arcturus, or Mikael Akerfeldt in a song like “Burden.” I used to date a girl who was one of the highest rated mezzo-sopranos in the state, should have gotten more of her opinion on stuff before that ended
Very interesting to see someone from a completely different musical background dissecting metal. How many songs did she hear before reviewing? Maybe she should try some death or black metal bands next time. Liked the initial reaction to Ozzy “How long did his career last?” lol…
This is the kind of content that I would only identify with IO. Cosmo, you continue to one-up yourself.
I don’t have anywhere close to the knowledge to comment on the veracity her remarks, but to a layperson, that was an awesome read and I’m sure her analysis was “pitch perfect” [sorry]. I’ll definitely listen to Iron Maiden with a different focus and attention to the finer aspects of the vocal quality next time out. Great stuff for the blog… but that needs to be in Decibel or some such publication so as to reach more readers than you can perhaps service here. Pull some strings, Cosmo. Thanks.
Great post. While I’d be interested to hear Friedlander’s thoughts on contemporary death and black metal vocals, I don’t think anyone would argue with the fact that these five singers _the_ voices of metal. And good call on “Dreamer Deceiver.” Along with _Sin After Sin_,_Sad Wings of Destiny_ features some of Halford’s most varied and impressive work.
Now I’m going to Google that Ozzy guy so that I can learn more about him and his short, undistinguished career.
I would LOVE to see what she would say about Geoff Tate on, say, “Eyes of a Stranger.” Cosmo, send her the mp3 now and get back to us on that!
Would like to hear her take on John Tardy, Mike Patton, Chris Cornell & Barney from Napalm Death.
Geoff Tate, Steve Benito (Heir Apparent on “One Small Voice”), John Arch (Fates Warning), Anthony C. Lionetti the 3rd (Matthias Steele), Johan Langquist (Candlemass debut) are some choices that come to mind, but really if there’s a second installment I too would be more interested on her thoughts on extreme vocals instead.
Jan Transit (In the Woods…), John Tardy, Dave Vincent (circa Blessed are the Sick), Pasi Äijö & Veera Muhli(Unholy), Aaron Stainthorpe (My Dying Bride, especially from the debut).
3 cheers all around, great post/write up, you should have her do this again sometime. it would be interesting to hear her thoughts on James Hetfield, Mike Patton, and Tom Araya.
Just adding to the chorus of appreciation for this post. Most excellent!
Really cool little experiment, though some of the comments afterward are clearly fishing for “high art” validation of their favorite band/singer. I don’t think she’d have much interesting to say about death metal vocalists except to say their diction is terrible (which it is, but that’s not the point).
Two best quotes:
“At first it’s cool, then it gets boring, and you shouldn’t feel bored listening to metal.”
“[Rob Halford] is super talented and the only one I really wish I could get my hands on.” Um. Ok.
It was so fascinating and fun to review these singers – so glad Cosmo invited me to do this! Thoroughly enjoying all the comments as well!
Glenn, it is obviously MUCH more difficult to project diction clearly when you’re doing a death metal growl – but it’s not completely impossible. It requires a very operatic approach to resonance and articulation, but even that probably isn’t enough unless you have a mic specifically designed to amplify it, which then wouldn’t be so great for higher singing. However, diction isn’t as big a priority when the core emotion you’re expressing is inherent in the sound you’re making. Lots of examples of this in classical singing.
A well-delivered growl gets the message across without our understanding every syllable!
Excellent post Claudia.
Cosmo for the next batch I would love to hear Claudia’s take on Chris Barnes, Corpsegrinder, Seth Putnam and the teen girl from the Netherlands featured this summer on IO.
What an(other) incredible read you came up with!
It’s always interesting to see people who deserve musical respect (not pop entertainers) come share the knowledge of their artistic world and “dissect” our world’s virtuosity.
This should be done more often, not only with singers, but also with instrumentalists and, maybe, compositors.
Loved this!
Have her analyze Messiah from Candlemass.
@ Glenn – I don’t think necessarily that some of us are fishing for “high art” validity of our favorite vocalists – I think that is interesting to have something that either you love or you created examined from a different perspective and perhaps even have some of those techniques explained somewhat. For instance, I know a fairly decent amount of music theory, but am by no means an expert. I’ve had some of my work explained to me from the perspective of expert music theorists and found it to be a very fascinating experience.
What is really refreshing about this is her open-mindedness. I feel many outside the metal world would be overly dismissive. Claudia, however, judges each singer on their own merits, without any pre-conception about the value of the genre, as I am sure she would with Jazz or Classical singers.
Great post! Totally agree with the Ozzy analysis. He’s always been a terrible ’singer’ but a great and classic ‘vocalist’.
I’d like to hear her take on Mike Patton too. She might need to hear a few of his diverse ventures to get a proper sample.
Too bad more hardcore and metal singers don’t go to someone like Claudia. If nothing else to learn how to avoid damage, and not have future surgery for things like polyps.
Love what she say’s about Ozzy. I could actually feel my throat tightening after reading that and listening to him. Ah, the power of suggestion! Ozzy isn’t a great singer, but has a very unique voice – there are few people I’ve heard that have that nasal whine combined with some odd baritone mush below it.
Metal certainly needs no validation from classical musicians!
Those of you who read my blog know I am a fan of meditation teacher Shinzen Young. Shinzen has participated in studies where scientists study the brainwaves of experienced meditators, with results that “validate” the subjective experiences they have been reporting for millennia. Cross-disciplinary studies like this benefit both sides but it’s dangerous when one side claims the arrogance of being able to validate the other!
As the result of this post I am also discovering how many of my classical colleagues & friends are serious metal fans.
Great article.
Nothing new to add, but this one of the best posts that’s ever been on here. Cheers!
what a great read – thanks Cosmo and Claudia!
It’s true: you can’t hate on Dio. Great article. If there were another installment, I would suggest Jim Gillette from Nitro or Robert Lowe from
Solitude Aeturnus.
Excellent idea, excellent post.
I hadn’t really thought about the role of diction and feeling in metal vocals, but Claudia nails it. More “extreme” vocal styles associated with death metal, black metal, grind, and even hardcore to some extent often sacrifice feeling for artifice that’s supposed to stand in for feeling – dudes are screaming, but it feels like they’re screaming because they’re supposed to, not because what they’re feeling makes them scream. It feels hollow, and you’re not getting anything from the lyrics either.
I can think of a few exceptions – Martin Van Drunen, Ravn, Aaron from My Dying Bride (at least on the earlier recordings) – but mostly I feel like metal’s stuck with histrionics all around.
this was an awesome read.
That was really interesting, I loved her comments about Ozzy lol.
You should consider sending her some other tracks, maybe a thrash version?
With death metal vocals (or other extreme styles), diction might be sacrificed, but the lyrics are available to the “true” fan through the visual design of the lyric sheet in the album. In a sense, the lack of intelligibility can be deliberate way to obscure an important part of the musical experience from “outsiders”. If you’re a kid in your room listening to Emperor, etc., the vocals are just “noise” to your parents (or whoever), and that’s part of the point. YOU, as the dedicated fan, have access to the verbal part of the experience that others don’t. You have to do that extra work of following along with the lyric sheet (and getting immersed in the artwork and so on), but that extra work, for some people, results in a deeper engagement with the music or band. There’s also the question of production, where vocals can be mixed very low on purpose to de-emphasize the singer as a “front man” or focus of the listener’s attention.
The question of emotion in death-metal style singing is a really interesting one though. Certainly classical technique (and the hybrid used by folks like Dickinson and Halford) can provide a lot of tools for interpreting a text. Can the same be said for death/black metal? Death metal singing is, I would suggest, a timbral effect above all else. There might be minor variations in tone and so forth due to the presence of particular words, but I think it’s more like a stomp box guitar effect: it’s either on or off. This seems to me to be unlike Dickinson (for example), who’s able to sculpt a rhetorical sequence of vocal gestures based on the details of the lyrics. Claudia’s analysis of his singing on that track really illuminated how marvelously nuanced Bruce’s vocal part is, and I wonder if a similar attention to nuance is really possible (or even desired?) in death/black/grind-style vocals.
Another interesting parallel: More often than not, opera fans don’t even speak the language being sung (at least in the US) and have to study the libretto ahead of time if they wish to have a truly immersive experience.
Glenn, I would agree that in a lot of death metal, the vocals are used for texture and percussive qualities and not as human voices telling a human story in human emotions per se. However too many bands did too similar a thing for too long and the effect of that is now debatable in its potency. I am not arguing that we should travel back in time and tell Chris Barnes to mind his diction, I am saying, now in 2010, extreme metal bands might want to look into intelligibility again.
Also as an interesting counter-example, here’s old My Dying Bride, in latin, no less. Check out the range of emotions and the clarity of the words sang http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipEDSD4ASdY
Helm, thanks for sharing that song. However I don’t hear anything close “clarity of words”. Also, while the singer does change the position of the growl a bit, sometimes higher, sometimes really low (especially in the middle part), it’s hard to compare that rhetorical range with Dickinson’s. It’s still just a timbral trick to me at this point. Still, would love to analyze it further.
One of the most fascinating blog posts I’ve read in ages! Thanks Cosmo!
Glad to see Rob Halford getting some props. I know he’s hardly underappreciated within metal circles, but I think for most people it’s a case of “Rob Halford? With Priest? Yeah, he’s awesome. Those guys rock”. We tend to think of musicians within the context of their band and the dynamic they have with their bandmates, instead of individually. As Claudia pointed ou, Halford’s a phenomenally-talented singer in his own right. I can’t sing for crap, but even I knew that he had something special.
And according to this interview, it all comes naturally:
http://www.soundspike.com/news/feature/tour/293-rob_halford_tour_dates_and_tickets_q_amp_a__rob_halford.html
Anyone else reminded of Andre the Giant saying “I don’t even exercise” while nonchalantly tossing boulders around in The Princess Bride?
I’d like to read an analysis of early-Pantera Phil Anselmo (CFH) and later-Pantera Phil Anselmo (Great Southern Trendkill).
Midnight of Crimson Glory would be interesting to analyze as well.
Wow. I’m impressed. Really impressed. What a great read!!! Always knew Bruce and Dio would be respected by the classical folks.
Somebody better call Halford…I believe that lady when she says she can help him (although his acoustic performance of ‘Diamonds and Rust’ on That Metal Show is pretty flawless).
Maybe it’s time for Cosmo to have his own publication. With blog posts like these and the great team of writers he has, it’d be nice to have a monthly subscription of Invisible Oranges in my mailbox!
Great post. Nice insight from the lady.
Guys, if we’re going for personal requests, at least go for some more well known names such as Phil Anselmo and Eric Adams.
Wow, it feels great to have my opinion validated that unintelligible vocals such as this unfortunate in-grown hairy zit on the ass of metal known as cookie monster shit is boring. I’ve thought that since the moment I heard it. Although the lady was speaking about King Diamond, it equally applies to cookie monster. GREAT READ COSMO! You got yur shit together and I love it! Even if you do like cookie monster.
Glenn, perhaps it wasn’t a good example because you’d have to know Latin a bit, heh. Listen to this instead:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxZcT4R37LQ
I’ve read the lyrics sheet once in my life, and for every time I’ve listened to this song since I know what he’s singing on every bit, isn’t that a mark of clarity in death metal vocals?
Also for me it’s not just the growl going higher and lower, there’s a lot of emotion and shades of emotion in the choices of punctuation, delivery, attack, decay, not to mention the various sounds he makes like coughing, laughing, grunting. It’s very far from an on-off switch that a lot of brutal death metal vocals are. But then again this era of My Dying Bride is very close to my heart and I might be seeing too much into it.
I appreciate the dialogue, by the way. My priority isn’t to be argumentative.
Hmmm, I wonder what Claudia would think of Lemmy’s voice
But yeah, what so many others said, these types of posts are why I really appreciate IO. I always find it amusing of how “outsiders” react to metal, and I’m glad to know it’s (more or less) a positive reaction in this case.
would have liked to get her take on Eric Adams from manowar.
@kalinine: Ah, the power of suggestion! Ozzy isn’t a great singer, but has a very unique voice
There are more of those: e.g. Alice Cooper and Mike Muir (also outside of metal: Will Oldham, Nick Cave). Singer who can’t sing, but somehow they have ‘it’. If there’s one thing that is missing in this otherwise excellent post, it is an analysis on why Ozzy is a great singer even though he can’t sing. (I have to say I think ‘War Pigs’ is one of his weaker performances, I would have chosen ‘Black Sabbath’ or ‘N.I.B.’)
@Cliff Evans: More “extreme” vocal styles associated with death metal, black metal, grind, and even hardcore to some extent often sacrifice feeling
The hardcore constant screaming style is the biggest hurdle for me. I cannot listen to bands like Converge and Kylesa because of it. I don’t like the monotone barking of death metal bands like Dying Fetus too, but that’s somehow more easily to ignore.
I can think of a few exceptions – Martin Van Drunen, Ravn, Aaron from My Dying Bride
I’d add Darkthrone’s Nocturno Culto and Entombed’s Lars-Goran Petrov. Both singers who have somewhat clearer diction and therefore add more to the music.
Martinj: Hardcore punk doesn’t have to be constant screaming
Cosmo: You have my compliments. This is quite possibly the best piece on IO I’ve read this year.
Hi Claudia, I would love to hear your thoughts and reactions to Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth. He sings clean and growls, but his growls still maintain a good diction. Check out the song Hessian Peel or Closure if you can.
Awesome article – and totally agree on the Ozzy, as does everyone else it seems. And since this is my first comment after an eternity of lurking – thanks for the daily reading.
@Helm: That was better (I know a fair bit of Latin myself, being a choral singer). And of course I know you’re not being argumentative and I hope I’m not coming across that way. Certainly the rhetoric of death metal vocals requires more study!
Wow, I don’t really comment on here, but this post was too awesome to pass up. I’d like her take on Swallow the Sun’s vocalist as well as Mikael Akerfeldt’s. I’d also be interested in hearing her take on extreme metal vocals; she could definitely have an input on it since those kind of vocals still follow the rules of singing for the most part.
gonna chime in on the request for an analysis of mikael akerfeldt, as popular as this post seems to be we all know there will be a follow up. make it happen.
Requesting the following:
-Eric Adams
-Joe Comeau
-John Arch
-Udo
-Bobby Blitz
-Lips
-Blackie Lawless
Cosmo, make it happen!!
Fascinating article indeed!
Personally I’d love to hear her take on:
Kvarforth (Shining)
Varg Vikernes (Burzum)
John Cyriis (Agent Steel)
Warrel Dane (Sanctuary)
Speaking of diction, Dane’s articulation on the new Nevermore album is really impressive.
I would LOVE to see what she would say about Geoff Tate on, say, “Eyes of a Stranger.”
Or “Walk in the Shadows.” There’s a live cut of that song on the remastered Rage for Order that’s even better than the studio cut.
Pantera’s Cemetery Gates. Phil Anselmo needs to be heard.
LOVE Ozzy’s voice. #1 for me.
Actually, I think it would be quite possible to emote while doing a death growl – while that massive sound emanates from your throat, you can still shape it with your lips, tongue and other articulators, and convey all of the emotions that you would with a cleaner tone. I’m Claudia’s metal student, and I once read a poem in a death growl during class – that was an interesting day. Classical technique, as I was surprised to learn at first, is equally applicable to death growling, Verdi arias and Iron Maiden songs – good singing is good singing.
What I thought was most interesting was one of her comments about Bruce Dickinson’s rasp. He can draw on that color without compromising the other qualities of his voice, which has to be contributing to his lengthy singing career (I saw him live not too long ago, and he’s definitely got a spectacular voice, even at 52). This was a great article, and I’m definitely looking forward to a sequel.
Thanks for dropping in, Christopher. That’s definitely the impression I get from reading Claudia’s blog, that technical ability in singing is applicable across the board, no matter the musical style. It reminds me of the emphasis in parkour on preparing the body for any obstacle.
Your readers may enjoy learning that the poem I asked Chris to read was Shakespeare’s Sonnet #18: “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day…”
Thanks, Chris!
Intention is the only thing that really matters.
Interestingly, the worst singer is the only guy I own a record by. And I own a lot of records.
If he sent her more tracks she’ll THEN realize how many gigantic talent is required to sing in the metal genre (Lande, Heiman and the list goes on and on…) Classical technique as opposed to the technique required to sing e.g. Power Metal is like comparing a child to PhD
Fantastic idea and a brilliant post, much props for this.
One note ad the comments re death metal vocalists and shit diction: B and C records era David Vincent had diction like a motherfucker. That’s why he was the greatest death metal vocalist of all time for a couple years.
I’d love to hear what she has to say about Messiah Marcolin’s work with Candlemass. Say, this: – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnFJJfwiwb4
Great post.
I would love to see something on Ray Alder (Fates Warning / Redemption / Engine). I think he’s vastly underrated as a singer.
Very interesting article, indeed. Quite an original idea to write about this, because I am sure many a metalhead has asked himself/herself what outsiders think of our heroes, especially musically trained people. Obviously, not all the singers we love were included in the list Cosmo sent, but if there is any other chance to do so, it would be very nice to read what she says about Kiske, Tate, and Lawless.
too many selfish requests on unimportant and little-known singers in the comments above. You’re only making IO’s job harder, when he has to sieve through them all.
I’m not sure what she would have to say about death and black metal vocalists, since they don’t really “sing.” I’m guessing she’d say, “Wow, that sounds really bad for your throat. Do those guys have to have surgery later on?”
Josh – Death and black metal “singing” definitely derives and benefits from classical technique. The vocal teacher Melissa Cross did an instructional DVD on this. If you’re skilled enough with your vocal instrument, you can make any sound come out of it, whether it be singing or shrieking.
The first time I heard the intro to the song Nostradamus by Judas Priest on the radio, the first thing I thought was holy shit, Rob Halford could totally sing opera music.
Interesting read if there is any other singer in Heavy Metal that would deserve such an analyis it would be Midnight (R.I.P) from Crimson Glory.
I wonder what Claudia would say about Peter Steele of Type O Negative? (R.I.P. Peter) I think he has quite an amazing and unique voice and knows how to use it well, but what do I know about singing…
OK you need to do this again and include Tate and Alder
P.S. How dare you call the King Diamond boring!
- Mike Patton
- Chris Cornell
- Phil Anselmo
+1
and, why not…
- James Hetfield
All four, at the beginnings and now.Please.
Thanks for this post, kudos,
Ze
How did James Hetfield not make this list? I would love to hear your opinion of him.
the only reason why she can say that King Diamond is boring is coz she never heard him live… when u just hear a studio songs, u might think it’s just “studio magic”, but it’s a totally different thing to see it actually happen live…
oh, and great article…
Up the Irons.
Thats all that needs to be said.
It’s rather disappointing that there’s no mention of the God of Heavy Metal Voices…
ERIC ADAMS
I was wondering what she’d say about Manowar’s singer, Eric Adams… his range is utterly incredible.
I would love to hear her take on my favorite full metal rocker. Axl Rose. Then again it would also be interesting to hear Robert Plant since we know he blew his voice out, where she thinks the mistakes were made.
And yeah, Ozzie chokes. Still somehow the old songs rocked.
Actually, I’d love to hear Claudia’s take on the challenge of older metal singers singing tracks from their younger days. Over at MetalSucks there was a post today about Mustaine’s vocals on the recent performances of “Holy Wars” and listening to him it’s clear the range is way out of his current capability (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvUdTnXmUIA). He sounds like he’s just breathed some helium…
Hetfield has had the same issue for a decade, as has Dickinson (and to a lesser extent Halford and even Geddy Lee). The highs are just too high now and no amount of down-tuning is really going to help.
I’d be curious to get Claudia’s take on this, as well as how the voice ages and the effects it has on singing technique.
Should have picked “Fairies Wear Boots” instead of “War Pigs”.
Would be interesting to see a critique of Chris Cornell for Badmotorfinger era compared to Down On The Upside or Audioslave era.
Because he DID completely screw his vocal chords after Superunknown and had to have surgery to remove vocal nodes because of the way he sang. Thank God he was able to sing again though!
I know someone mentioned Geoff Tate..here is a classic early one that shows many of diff techniques and range:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xUwybY6Se4
King Diamond and Ozzy? There are much better vocalists that she should have chosen such as Michael Kiske and Ralf Scheepers.
Let’s have her settle it once and for all:
Tarja Turunen vs. Anette Olzon.
Let’s have her settle it once and for all:
Tarja Turunen vs. Anette Olzon.
As usual, that would be missing the point of the post entirely…
Pretty much spot on. I am a big fan of all of them. Ozzy himself will tell you he is not a great singer. He just has this awesome sounding tone he gets singing through his nose. If Ozzy’s singing wasn’t “nasal” it wouldn’t have its appeal. That is why a better vocalist as Ronnie James Dio never sounded right singing Ozzy’s Sabbath tunes in my opinion.
Hell, I like Ozzy better than those other operatic style technically impressive singers. Whats wrong with nasal and painful.
My only complaint was you chose some of the worst songs for this exercise. I mean, there is much more real singing on “Run to the Hills” than on “Number of the Beast” and the Dio song is one of his most generic. Why not play her the songs these guys are really known for?
This is brilliant. Can you please get Claudia Friedlander to do a follow-up on 1990s grunge singers? They’re such a mystery.
did anyone else notice that she used the word “fabulous” in describing Rob Halford’s performance?
When she speaks of career longevity, she’s speaking about how well their voices will hold up. Ozzy sounds great on those old records. His voice was uniquely beautiful and had a special kind of forlorn power despite the lack of anything resembling “correct” vocal technique, but his voice went to utter shit before too long.
Out of seven Black Sabbath shows I’ve seen from the 1990s onward, the three best were the two with Dio and the one with Rob Halford singing. Ozzy is a sad figure of nostalgia at this point, while the other two remained top shelf performers throughout their careers. Dio sounded better at 67 than Ozzy did at 37.
Very fun and entertaining read. Thank you!
One of the reasons I like Ozzy so well is that he’s just a garage singer who made it far. I like that it’s a little bad. I’m not saying I only like bad singers, but I like a wide range of music and I don’t want it all to be on the dot perfect. That would get boring. I like it when it bites a bit. It’s the same reason I drink strait whiskey.
The greatest thing that I took away from this read is her confidence and comfort level with seeming to know exactly what it takes to do what they do- and do it better. So many reviews are from the stand point of a cheerleader or arrogant fool. This kind of written bravado is what driven artists are made of. Whether they are aware or not.
Mercenary and Into Eternity both use Cleans and Harshes, quite well in their songs, and their diction isn’t that bad.
Next week, Janice Chapman on Ozzie Osbourne
An interesting and thought provoking piece, thanks for this.
I dabbled in singing for a while and like to amateur-analyse the efforts of rock singers – so I really enjoyed seeing it done by a real expert.
Reqeust if there’s a follow up to this feature: Hansi Kürsch!
She needs to listen to and critique the Best new Hard Rock/Metal vocalist in the world right now, the Norwegian Jorn Lande ( who just fronted Black Sabbath) for the Heaven n Hell tribute to ronnie james dio. Also everyone should check out JORN :Song For Ronnie James” on Youtube.
This might be slightly beside the point, but great song selection. Very entertaining!
As well as Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth (something from Damnation and something from Deliverance?) and Aaron Stainthorpe of My Dying Bride (especially on Turn Loose the Swans), I’d also suggest some of the following:
Tomas Lindberg/At the Gates
Anneke van Giersbergen/ex. The Gathering
Sharon den Adel/Within Temptation
Nick Holmes/Paradise Lost (especially from Icon and newer)
Vince Cavanagh/Anathema
Chris Astley/Xentrix
Ditto on the Mike Patton request.
Away from metal (somewhat), it would be interesting to hear her opinions on Jacks Black and White.
This is an awesome article. A fresh opinion. I’ve always thought metal is the most demanding of the modern musical genres, from the standpoint of the artist and the person taking it in, and while it won’t affect how much I enjoy the music, it’s nice to see them get that kind of recognition and validation. Here and elsewhere.
I’d like to see her opinion on more artists that people have varied opinions of. Eric Adams from Manowar is one that comes to mind. A lot of people to like the band at all, but I think he is one of the best singers, ranking up there with Dio, Halford, and Dickinson.
Would have definitely included Eric Adams. Others of interest to me would be Messiah Marcolin, Warrel Dane, Geoff Tate, Mathias Blad, Jørn Lande, and Matt Barlow.
As a fan of a large variety of modern genres I very much enjoyed this, although I’m familiar with none of the above musicians except in name only.
Too many requests, already, of course, but instead of more analysis of people’s favorite classic metal growlers I’d be interested in her take on the more modern hardcore / metal scenes such as Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath or Tim Lambesis of As I Lay Dying. Probably not much interest here, of course, but I have no idea how the array of modern heavy genres differ vocally from the pioneers that are now found on Guitar Hero
Considering the Dickinson and Halford songs were from relatively early in their careers, I’d be very interested to hear her take on their later material to see if she saw any change or improvement.
Rob Halford is def. my favorite out of the 5.
And may Ronnie rest in Peace.
Good to hear, what for most outsiders sounds a pure screaming and shouting.
Also don’t forget the incredible tour shcedules of these bands and singers, and still able to perform after all these years
ps: would loved to see comments on geoff tate
Great blog post… thank you !
I always thought Bruce Dickinson is the greatest metal singer although I never gave it much of a thought why. After reading this article, I know why. In addition to immense vocal talent, what really stands him apart is his flawless diction.
There’s one singer who should definitely be mentioned along with Dickinson, Halford and Geoff Tate. It is Mr. Michael Kiske.
Nice… I wonder what would Claudia’s opinion on Bon Scott be…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y55wvdcCJfk
Not only is Halford the best Metal singer but one of if not the most versatile and powerful voice of all time! Listen to Sad Wings of Destiny, then Sin After Sin, then Stained Class and just marvel at the range and power! The growling of “Island of Domination” to the screaming of “Call for the Priest” and then the power of British steel! He never ceases to amaze!!
I personally like Halfords voice the best in this group. The me he is the most diverse singer here and just makes every song sound so bold and full. He puts so much heart and soul into each song that they just all seem to come so alive. To go from a song like “Epitaph” and then “Savage” is tremendous. I feel very fortunate to have found Judas Priest in the mid 1970’s and the be able to listen to the journey their music and Halfords voice have taken me through.
Dio is a VERY close second.
TEE – And don’t forget 35 year after Sad Wings of Destiny, to pull off the Nostradamus album. Awesome.
while i love all 5 vocalists and everything they’ve done in their careers, i’d like to hear claudia review the same 5 but with music they’ve released in the last few years. many musicians learn and grow on the job and i wonder if her opinions may change a touch. just curious.
I came over here from a classical singers’ site. I teach singers of many diverse genres, and really liked this thoughtful analysis of these singers and pretty much agree with all of it. Metal isn’t my forte, and it was great to discover Dio, Halford,and Dickinson. Great singing.
Great post. I wish that you could made a post on Bruce Dickinson vs Paul DiAnno, both Iron Maiden singers.
I’d like to hear her comments about the next group of five: Eric Adams, Geoff Tate, Tobias Sammett, Klaus Meine, and Roy Khan!!
Wonder what she’d think of Lemmy?
Always thought the 2 Stevies were the best rock vocalists..Steve Winwood and Steve Marriot. Dont think Ossie is a great singer. Good performer, with presence.
It doesn’t seem like songs recorded 30 to 40 years ago are the best representation of their respective vocal talents. Halford and Dickinson have done some of their best work in the last ten years.
Of the all other singers and styles mentioned here, I’m kinda surprised no one has mentioned Maynard Keenan. Even though I know a lot of hardcore metal fans don’t really like his stuff. Here’s what I’d like to see analyzed:
Tool-Sweat/Eulogy (mjk)
Soundgarden-Jesus Christ pose/superunknown (Cornell)
mondo cane – deep down (Patton)
fantomas – any song off suspended animation (Patton)
qotsa – quick and to the pointless/millionaire (oliveri)
Of the all other singers and styles mentioned here, I’m kinda surprised no one has mentioned Maynard Keenan. Even though I know a lot of hardcore metal fans don’t really like his stuff. Here’s what I’d like to see analyzed:
Tool-Sweat/Eulogy (mjk)
Soundgarden-Jesus Christ pose/superunknown (Cornell)
mondo cane – deep down (Patton)
fantomas – any song off suspended animation (Patton)
qotsa – quick and to the pointless/millionaire
(oliveri)
there’s probably more I could think off, just blanking put now
Bruce before the Metal God? Fuck off.
Claudia we love you now !! Metal gets a bad rap all the time and you gave validation, thank you !! Of course we want more. How about Sebastian Bach and Geoff Tate !! Please give me a name of someone you recommend me to listen too, I trust your opinion………
COOP
I’d like to hear what she has to say about the femal metal singers:
Floor Jansen (incredibly versatile, goes from soft airy vocals, to normal singing, belting, to opera, to grunting)
Simone Simons
Doro Pesch
Sharon den Adel
Vibeke Stene
Tarja Turunen
Kari Rueslåtten
Angela Gossow
But most of these singers, take for example Floor Jansen (who goes from soft airy vocals, to normal singing, to belting, to opera, to grunting), are so incredibly diverse. Just one song doesn’t do them justice.
Embarrassed to have no idea until yesterday that the ‘King of RocknRoll’ died in may. I was just looking for Dio stuff and ran into this. I believe, no better epitaph could be left than a professional’s honest assessment. Geoff Tate should have been added to the list and I’m quite sure Claudia would have also liked to see him visit her studio.
Personally, If Rob and Geoff walked through my door on the same day, I’d be convinced I was dreaming. (Is it ok for such an old guy like me to still have heroes? haha)
James Labrie wasn’t included either????
Maybe because he went to Berklee and the comparison wouldn’t be fair?
Dio did turn down a Juliard scholarship though-guess he didn’t see the need.
This is brilliant. I doubt that any sort of follow-up would actually happen, but if it does, I second above requests for Michael Kiske and Hansi Kursch.
Great read. I am a former metal vocalist myself from the 80s era and really wish I would have had the opportunity to work with someone like Claudia. When I was doing covers I did every vocalist here except for King Diamond. What’s fascinating was I had no issues with doing Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson, and even Dio. However covering Ozzy was my achilles heal. He was sang in a place that I had a hard time getting and it always frustrated me because he technically isn’t talented as Claudia brought out. Her explanation makes sense and is probably why I had issues with him.
Ronnie James Dio said it all in an interview when he was asked what it was like to fill Ozzy’s shoes in Sabbath. All he said was “it isn’t too difficult to fill the shoe’s of someone who is barefoot”.
As for those of you asking Claudia to comment on Death Metal vocals, please don’t insult this woman like that. That’s like asking a brilliant art instructor to comment on a 2 year old scribbling with a crayon on the wall of his bedroom.
In response to KB’s last post. I agree that ‘Death Metal’ seems to be full of amateurs that get over by sounding scary. I’m not so much into that genre but I think I’ve heard a few singers that are actually good at the ‘throat’ sound as well as possessing octaves beyond the norm (3 Inches of Blood for instance, though that might be called ‘viking metal’ or something hehe… there seems to be so many monikers now. I think they are ‘Death Metal’ though. Rob Halford had some good things to say about them http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=75125 ) How about some ‘Black Metal’. I believe ‘Cradle of Filth’ would be part of that category and Danny Filth’s voice is extremely agile.
Ian Gillan, 2nd singer deep purple, child in time (overcomes the silliness). Bon Scott, acdc. clint eastwood vocal, gorillaz. winwood.
problems:
1) difficult to separate vocals from the rest of the recording.
2) recordings are engineered.
Well, in fairness to Osbourne, he built his career mostly on his personal charisma and antics (on and off stage), not on the quality of his vocals. I think he’d be the first to admit that he’s never been on the same level as metal virtuosos like Halford and the late Dio.
For much, if not most of his recording careers his mediocre vocals were disguised with studio double-tracking, a trick that would become his trademark. Technically awesome? Heck no. Good enough to please a LOT of rock fans and sell a LOT of vinyl? Heck yes!
I would also love to hear Claudia’s analysis of Geoff Tate’s singing. To me he always seemed to be the most technically apt of all.
By the same token, I am surprised no one has mentioned James LaBrie from Dream Theater at all. I would be much rather her an analysis of his singing than, say Sebastian Bach, Lemmy or some of the others mentioned. James Hetfield??? Puhleease… Let’s at least try and limit it to folks who can really sing and not waste Claudia’s precious time with guys who don’t get beyond a Randy Savage growl.
Of course Dio and Halford are amazing but I tend to go back to Sabbath with Ozzy more than to any other band. Why? Because of the ’sound’, the sheer sonority of the ensemble. Ozzy is not the world’s greatest singer but there’s something in that voice that’s always haunting, eerie and sad in those early sabbath records; no matter what he sings. You can hear he’s lived it. For me that makes the difference.
Great article.
I love the fact the the most successful musician in the group got the worst rating.
Good Stuff!
Great article!
I’d like to hear Claudia’s impression of Devin Townsend
I want to read more! I could have spent a long time with this topic, and I love listening to the pieces, then reading her break down. Excellent work, and I would definitely subscribe to a more regular treatment of this topic in the same format
I’m sorry but it’s too hard to respect the opinions of a “real musician” let alone a music writer who has never heard of Ozzy.
Metal musicians not real musicians then?
This was quite a treat! Enjoyed very much reading about these clean takes on these classic singers. I also agree with her assessment of Ozzy 100%. However, I would love to read more. Perhaps analyze some of the 4 octave singers in our genre?
Eric Adams (Manowar)
DC Cooper (Royal Hunt, solo)
Geoff Tate (Queensryche)
3 3/4 octave Midnight (Crimson Glory, RIP my friend)
3 1/2 octave Roy Khan (Kamelot)
It would be amazing to hear some thoughts on these guys as well! Also, I believe that Rob Halford has improved his technique quite a bit since the 1970s, something more current may give a better snapshot of what he can really do.
Came to this article to see if Bruce Dickinson was reviewed — glad to see he was. I got into metal after I had begun classical voice training, and Bruce Dickinson was the one who drew me in, despite my having heard many bands before Iron Maiden. He’s just incredible to listen to in a way that no other metal singer is. (I know people compare Dream Theater to Iron Maiden, but to me, without Bruce’s vocal skill, it’s not even close.)
As for Ozzy: I wish that she had heard something from later in his career. While he’s never really loosened up, his sound has become a lot more fluid since his Black Sabbath days. His voice can be painful for me still, but that pain translates into pathos; a lot of his music has an element of heartbreak to it that seems to call for a raw throat.
amazing how ragging on the godfather of metal gets a lot of hits and comments. nice one
you probably love ozzy’s voice (as unique as it is, technique is NOT what we listen to ozzy for) and just use it as a viral way to get hits. nice one!!! since u cant be serious about not knowing that ozzy’s career is the most noted in metal, PERIOD hehee 
very smart
It would be interesting if she could listen one of the best Spanish metal singers ever: Leo Jiménez (ex-Saratoga). He’s just amazing!! Have a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DcXRQ23yu9Y
Ozzy’s voice is nasal from all the coke.
Glad I’m not the first one to mention Devin Townsend:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrxmrS9FIzc
For your with time issues, singing starts @ 3:40, and around 8:05 things start to get a bit intense…
Anyway, now that he’s off drugs & alcohol, he’s voice is better than ever. Check out any recent live clips…
well i loved reading this, but dio’s and rob halfords songs werent good indications of what they could really do. i would have picked almost any popular song from ronnies own band Dio especially something like shame on the night or maybe his cover of dream on by aerosmith.
And for rob hlaford i woulda picked something like ram it down or judas rising as they depict some incredible singing moments.
i wish she had also reviewed Ian Gillian and Geoff Tate
Well, not to defend anyone but Ozzy and even Bruce got better as they continued with their professional careers. War Pigs is off Sabbath’s second album recorded the same year as their first and Ozzy was just a kid out of high school. Beast was Bruce’s first maiden album and the first album he was not a gruffy rock singer. They should have pulled something off Somewhere in Time! Bruce was a vocal master on beast but he really showed his chops on Somewhere.
And to the guy who lists the female singers I don’t think any of them can sing well accept maybe Tarja.
Should play her some Mindcrime-era Geoff Tate, Ian Gillan, and Glenn Hughes.
I think geoff tate would have been the next logical guy to add to this list, it’s a shame I would have loved to hear her opinion on silent lucidity
Nowadays there are amazing singers in metal. Like Kamelot symphonic/power metal american band – Roy Khan is one of the best singers.
http://tarrazu.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/de-los-mejores-vocalistas-del-metal-actual/
The fact that she doesn’t have Geoff Tait from Queenrsyche on this list is amazing to me… and just shows how little she knows about voice range in the classic metal industry
Fascinating read, and great to see RJD, Halford, and others get props. I do agree with your conclusions about Ozzy, too, although I still find his voice to be extremely unique in tone and style, and a joy to listen to, whether he’s a technically proficient singer or not.
I’d personally love to see an article of this nature about modern hard rock/metal vocalists, and some of my suggestions and personal favorites are:
- Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth (He does both singing and death metal vocals. “Damnation” album would be a good place to look for his singing/clean vocals, and the “Ghost Reveries” or “Deliverance” albums would be a good place to start for his death growl vocals)
- Maynard James Keenan from Tool (the songs “Parabola”, “Third Eye”, and “Eulogy” specifically)
- Serj Tankian from System Of A Down (the songs “Spiders”, “Aerials”, and “Sugar” specifically some to mind as songs I’d like to see analyzed)
- Chad Gray from Mudvayne (songs “Dig” and “A World So Cold” come to mind.)
Thanks again for the interesting analysis of these metal vocalists.
This very topic has been weighing on me a bit since I found out that Steven Tyler has signed on as a judge for the next season of American Idol.
No doubt, Aerosmith has produced some great songs, but c’mon. I’ll grant you that he’s got decades of song creation and music biz experience under his belt, but Steven Tyler is not an appropriate person to be coaching and/or critiquing others on the basis of singing.
There are certainly metal artists who’re good vocalists – some great – but Steven Tyler is not among them.
What’s next – Kenny G mentoring Jazz musicians?
Cool Article!!!
I wish someone had sent her a sample of Warrel Dane’s singing.
IMHO he’s the best metal vocalist out there at the moment. Just listen to “Sentient 6″ from Nevermore if you wanna know what I’m talking about!
I never really liked Ozzy’s voice either, but I do like his music.
As regards Osbourne, I would have far preferred to hear her thoughts about his delivery on something like “The Writ” or “Spiral Architect.”
Not that I think the appeal of Ozzy would ever really be with lovers of “operatic” vocals, but for an experiment like this … “War Pigs” was the song they showed her?
This is a perfect example of a well educated voice teacher who is simply WRONG. She may have a degree in this or that and gone to the best schools and taught and sang opera, etc, etc, etc all her life, but unfortunately she has an extremely narrow view of singing. She sees it from an operatic perspective only, and there are many different types of singing and ways to sing “correctly”, without hurting one’s voice. Clearly, Bruce, Ronnie and Rob are/were some of the best singers in the world. But the moment she attempted to evaluate Merciful Fate’s singer from that awful recording, I knew she was a fraud. No voice teacher in their right mind would attempt to evaluate anyone’s singing techniques based on a voice recording that smothered in effects and “studio magic”, as she puts it (Hardly “magic”, more like drivel specifically designed to mask the singer’s voice).
What she fails to understand, and this is a BIGGIE, is that not everyone has an “operal” voice; Many voices simply CAN NOT CREATE OPERATIC TONALITIES – PERIOD. I guarantee if she listened to Michael Jackson sing “Bad” w/o ever having heard him sing before, she would rip him to shreds, talking about how restricted his throat is, etc. She would also tatter Paul Rodgers into little more than a dumb-ass school boy who wished he could sing. Ask her what she thinks about Robert Plant, one of the greatest vocalists in rock history. Certainly no Bruce Dickinson, but a masterful vocalist in his own right.
Ironically, voice teachers like this need to loosen up. They are so anal retentive about their particular kind of vocal training that they fail to acknowledge the other 80% of vocal techniques and approaches out there.
Hey Jeff
Check out the band ‘Fozzy’. It’s Chris Jericho’s band that started out as an Ozzy trib but then they started writing new stuff. It sounds like Ozzy after lessons hehe. Also, I believe the person meant for her to hear Ozzy’s soulful side but I agree there is much better stuff he’s done like ‘Over the Mountain’ or ‘Mama, I’m coming home’ though ‘Siral Architect’ is definately an example of his unique style.
And 108
I find this a bit harsh but i understand where your coming from. I, personally, learned from Jim Gillette’s ‘Vocal Power’ tapes. Other than that, it was all just mimicking the greats. When I say the greats, I don’t just mean Bruce, Rob and Geoff though. There was also an occasional stray into Michael Makejevic, Tina Turner, Barry Gibb etc… etc… I believe every singer should chase after any sound that interests them and in doing that, they increase their potential.
I actually got this idea from a radio interview with Geddy Lee who explained this as how he learned to be so good with his bass.
Check out JORN aka Jorn Lande – well worth it