Let’s do something light-hearted for a change! If you know me just a little bit, you know I like my metal as heavy as it gets. That doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate a lovely voice! I just appreciate it more when it’s offset with the sickest grunts on the planet. There are four singers that I would like to highlight in the blog post. Hope you like ’em too!
Jón Aldará from the band Hamfer∂
Even if you like heavy metal, chances are you haven’t yet listened to Hamfer∂. You’re missing out! They just released a new album, Men Guðs hond er sterk (but God’s hand is strong), and I’m 99% sure this is going to be my favorite album this year.
The vocalist Jón has a unique sounding grunt, and his clean vocals are such a huge contrast! Just listen to this song from the new album, and you’ll know what I mean. He has a big reach with his clean vocals when it comes to tone height and intensity, but on the other hand, he can make his voice sound fragile. You can hear the more fragile sound on the song Frendreygar, also on the latest album.
Tatiana Shmayluk from the band Jinjer
I remember being shocked at Tatiana’s voice myself! I think it’s almost a meme at this point, considering how many reaction videos there are on YouTube about hearing her sing. The song in question is Pisces. It stars out with her lovely clean voice. And then you’re just like “ohh, this tiny looking woman, she’s so lovely”. Just when you’re comfortable with that, she starts belting out the most deep grunt you’ll ever hear! Hahahahaha!!! Suprise, motherfucker. It never gets old to see people react to it.
Grunting truly is gender-neutral. Judge by yourself:
Devin Townsend
I mean, even if you are just remotely into heavy metal, you just knew this guy would be in the list. He can do just about anything with his voice. He can sound super pleasant, silky smooth, AND then he can scream his head off. I got to know Devin back in his screaming phase, which was when the band Strapping Young Lad still existed. It’s one of my most listened to bands to this day, the ADHD-like chaotic energy of it just perfectly fits my brain. Songs like this perfectly demonstrate his screaming abilities (with tonal qualities!):
But the funniest video he recorded was his Kingdom performance for EMGtv. This song demonstrates all of his vocal abilities. He makes it look so effortless!!
Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth
Last, but not least: Mikael from Opeth. I personally think he had the best grunt in all of heavy metal. Sadly, I had to write ‘had’, because he doesn’t want to do much growling anymore. Opeth in general have moved away from the progressive death metal style and changed into a purely progressive rock/metal band, and they use exclusively clean vocals now. (I’m not entirely sure about this, as I don’t listen to the band anymore.)
Thankfully, we have the recordings forever. The best heavy metal song ever made has to be The Drapery Falls. It displays his abilities 100%. The silky smooth voice and then those crazy powerful growls. Enjoy!
These were my 4 favorite heavy metal singers with the best contrast between their clean voices and their grunts. What are yours?