Black Metal Bands with Clean Male Vocals: An Exploration

Black metal is typically known for its harsh and raw vocals, often characterized by shrieks and growls. However, there are some unique exceptions within this genre that blend traditional black metal with clean male vocals, creating a distinct and intriguing sound. These bands not only challenge the conventions of black metal but also offer a fresh, melodic approach that resonates with a broader audience.

Defying Conventions: Bands with Clean Male Vocals

While black metal is generally associated with aggressive and dark vocals, certain bands have experimented with clean vocals, often to great success. Typically, these bands balance the intensity of black metal with a more melodic and accessible sound, resulting in a unique and powerful musical experience.

1. Borknagar

Borknagar is one of the most well-known black metal bands to incorporate clean vocals. Their album Urd, released in 2003, is considered one of their finest works. The album showcases a blend of extreme Norwegian riffs and clean vocals, creating a progressive and dynamic sound. Their vocalist, Garm, brings a more straightforward and powerful clean voice that complements the harshness of their black metal sections. In comparison, they can be likened to bands such as Powerwolf and Pagan’s Mind, known for their ability to integrate melodic elements into their music while maintaining the essence of black metal.

2. Primordial and Enslaved

Primordial and Enslaved are other notable bands that have experimented with clean vocals. Empire Falls, the first album by Primordial, almost entirely abandoned black metal singing, focusing on clean vocals with a progressive style. Meanwhile, Enslaved has managed to balance the darkness of black metal with melodic clean vocals, creating a unique sound that sets them apart in the black metal genre. They can be compared to bands such as ICS Vortex and Vintersorg, known for their powerful clean vocals that add a melodic layer to their music.

3. Ulver

Ulver, a pioneering band in the post-black metal scene, was among the first to experiment with clean vocals. Their debut album, Bergtatt, features Garm using more esoteric and dreamy clean vocals that fit perfectly with the album’s theme. Ulver’s approach to clean vocals is more ethereal and atmospheric, showcasing a distinct style that sets them apart from other black metal acts.

Distinct Voices: A Closer Look at Clean Vocals in Black Metal

The clean vocals used by these bands are not just simple echoes of mainstream metal but are carefully crafted to enhance the overall musical experience. Here’s a closer look at some of the unique clean vocals used by these bands:

1. Garm from Borknagar and Ulver

Garm's clean vocals are known for being strong and stark, often paired with the brutal riffs of black metal. His style is balanced and potent, reminiscent of classic black metal bands like Celldweller (from Crash Test Dummies) but with the added intensity of black metal. In Urd, his vocals bring a mix of power and clarity to the album's progressive sections.

2. ICS Vortex's Clean Vocals

ICS Vortex’s clean vocals are described as “potent and powerful,” almost as if he’s holding a potent chorus in his throat. The power and control in his clean singing add a unique layer to their complex and intense music.

3. Vintersorg's Unique Approach

Vintersorg’s approach to clean vocals can sometimes be perceived as “emo-like,” which is interesting given his truly bestial black metal grunts. However, his clean vocals are unique and cannot be ignored. A comparison to Brad Roberts from Crash Test Dummies highlights his melodic range but also his ability to infuse emotion into his clean vocals.

4. Lazare

Lazare, known for his more emo-inflected clean vocals, brings a different perspective to the genre. Unlike other clean-vocal black metal bands, his approach is often seen as more dramatic. However, his unique ability to blend elements of emo with black metal makes him a standout artist in the genre. His vocal style contrasts sharply with his grim black metal vocals, which are among the most bestial in the genre.

In conclusion, black metal bands with clean male vocals exist and are well worth exploring. They offer a fresh and unique take on the genre, balancing traditional black metal elements with melodic and accessible clean vocals. Whether you’re familiar with the genre or a casual listener, these bands have something to offer that can broaden your musical horizons.