I'm pretty amazed by growling of any sort. I tried for a long time and I still cannot do it at all.
I think it's a matter of either you got it or you don't, I don't think it can be learned unless you are gifted in that way.
The thing with Mikael is that he does the death metal growl and the high pitched speed metal whispery scream at the same time, which is simply beyond cool. I have a hard time accepting that he originally didn't do vocals. We should all be thankful that he gave it a try, otherwise this amazing talent may have never been revealed to the world.
Will anyone ever have more control, range, endurance, and power than Mikael? I dunno... humans don't seem to be evolving that quickly, hehe.
I can sing however, I can do a damn good Anthrax, Dream Theatre, Nevermore, or Fate's Warning impression, but am I proud of this? NO! They SUCK! I fuckin hate that whiney 80's metal crap.
I have a theory: thin white boys (like me) with a skinney neck, skinny nose, small head, and somewhat femine features (like the above mentioned bands) shouldn't sing. I think that the shape of one's head and neck pretty much determines what they can do with their voice, not always, but generally. Mikael is a pretty big guy with thick masculine features and a square jaw. To me, this is no coincidence. Is it any wonder why most black people can naturally sing to some extent and most white people cannot, no matter how hard they try? It's in the size/shape of the head, neck, and face I think.
That's my two cents anyway. Has anyone else thought of this and came to a similar conclusion?
Speaking of growling and awesome voices, has anyone ever heard that james brown like rapper guy Mystikal? I'm not into that style of music but I appreciate a great voice when I hear it on the tv or radio, and this guy has a voice from hell! So harsh and rough yet smooth somehow. So strong. James Brown has nothing on this guy. Vocalists just keep getting better and better. As much as I hate Destiny's Child (even though they are quite fuckable), they are amazing singers, annoying as they are. I don't let my personal distaste of a particular genre/artist impede from giving credit where credit is due. James Labrie of Dream Theatre is pretty wicked too, even though he makes me want to puke.
Neil Peart (Rush drummer) once said something like: "There came a point early on in my life when I realized that there was a lot of music that I liked that was crap and a lot of music I didn't like which was really good." This is how I can totally hate dream theatre but I still have a great deal of respect for their musicianship.
Personal taste should not be a measure of actual skill. I know a guy who think Mikael is an incredible singer but he simply can't stand it. I have much respect for anyone who can differentiate talent from taste in this way. Ok, I've babbled long enough.
ta-ta,
Satori
, but i find it good when theres flem (sp) in my mouth, then it sounds better and doesn't hurt
, although it is sick.
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