Top Extreme Metal Bands with Clean or Cleanish Vocalists
When it comes to the extreme metal genre, many fans often immediately think of growls, screams, and guttural shrieks. However, there are a few exceptional bands that still manage to draw in audiences with their clean or cleanish vocals. Below, we explore some of these notable bands and why they stand out in the crowded landscape of extreme metal.
Bands Defined by Clean or Cleanish Vocals
Any discussion on extreme metal often leaves out a crucial subclassification: doom metal. This genre, known for its slow tempo and atmospheric sound, can still be considered extreme due to its heavy and dark nature. Here, we introduce you to some of the top bands that have managed to incorporate clean or cleanish vocals into their more traditionally extreme sounds.
Candlemass
Gothenburg’s own Candlemass is a prime example of a band with enchanting clean vocals. During the era of vocalist Messiah Marcolin, the band achieved its peak, showcasing his powerful operatic and clean vocals that tremendously elevated the music. Albums such as Tales of Creation and Ancient Dreams are highly recommended, but the standout track is undoubtedly “Well of Souls” from Nightfall. Marcolin’s vocal performance in this song is a perfect demonstration of his vocal prowess.
From Doom to Death Metal
There are other Doom metal bands that also feature clean or cleanish vocals, such as Solitude Aeturnus. The band’s vocalist, Rob Lowe, later fronted Candlemass for a short period, showcasing his versatility in different bands. Solitude Aeturnus’ performances have a captivating and powerful nature, as their vocalist can switch between clean and growling vocals with ease.
Switching Modes Between Clean and Growls
Some bands excel in their ability to switch between clean and growling vocals, a skill that impresses many listeners. For instance, Luna Mortis showcases brilliant clean vocals in their single performance that left an indelible mark in the metal community. The lead singer, Mary Zimmer, delivers performances that are nothing short of breathtaking.
Modern Innovations in Extreme Metal
In recent years, some bands like Avatar and Bullet For My Valentine have been pushing the boundaries of what clean and growled vocals mean in extreme metal. Avtar’s Johannes Eckerstr?m and Bullet For My Valentine’s Matt Tuck both use both clean and growling vocals to great effect, enhancing the overall sound of their respective bands.
The rise of bands like Ayreon highlights the versatility and creativity in extreme metal. Ayreon’s albums often feature a wide array of vocal styles, with Mikael Kjellander from Opeth being a standout example. Opeth, while not a primary focus of this discussion, remains a defining act in the metal scene, offering exceptional clean and growling vocals that are a must-listen for any metal enthusiast.
Scar Symmetry
Christian Ivestam from Scar Symmetry is a true vocal master. His performance on the Lyriel song “Skin and Bones” is a testament to his skill. Upon his departure from Scar Symmetry, the band had to hire additional vocalists to do justice to the original performance, underlining the significance of his contributions.
Conclusion
While the extreme metal genre is predominantly known for its raw and visceral vocals, bands like Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Luna Mortis, and many others demonstrate that there is a place for clean and cleanish vocals in the genre. These bands offer a unique and captivating experience to listeners, blending haunting melodies with powerful and emotive vocals, making them stand out in the world of extreme metal.