Sing Like Thy Art Is Murder: A Vocal Guide

Hey metalheads and vocal enthusiasts! Ever heard Thy Art Is Murder and thought, "Man, I'd love to scream like that?" Well, you've come to the right place. This guide is your deep dive into the world of extreme vocals, specifically tailored for tackling the brutal soundscapes of this iconic deathcore band. Thy Art Is Murder is renowned for its bone-crushing breakdowns, intricate riffs, and, of course, CJ McMahon's absolutely monstrous vocal delivery. His guttural lows, piercing highs, and overall intensity have made him a benchmark in the genre. So, if you're ready to push your vocal limits and explore the depths of extreme singing, let's get started!

Understanding the Vocal Landscape of Thy Art Is Murder

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty techniques, it's crucial to understand the vocal style that defines Thy Art Is Murder. We're talking primarily about deathcore vocals here, which are characterized by a mix of techniques including guttural screams, growls, and pig squeals, often layered with higher screams and shouts. CJ McMahon, in particular, is a master of the guttural, employing a wide range of low-end techniques that create a truly terrifying sonic experience. But it's not just about making noise; it's about control, precision, and stamina. To truly capture the essence of Thy Art Is Murder's sound, you need to develop a solid foundation in vocal technique and understand how to manipulate your vocal cords to produce these extreme sounds safely and effectively. It's like learning a new instrument – you wouldn't just pick up a guitar and start shredding without learning the basics, would you? The same applies to extreme vocals. You need to understand the anatomy, the techniques, and the potential risks involved. We'll break down the common techniques used in Thy Art Is Murder's music, including fry screams, false cord screams, and gutturals, explaining the mechanics behind each one and providing exercises to help you develop them. Remember, the goal isn't just to imitate CJ McMahon but to develop your own unique voice within the extreme metal landscape. And that journey starts with understanding the tools of the trade.

The Foundation: Breath Control and Vocal Warm-ups

Alright guys, before you start trying to sound like a demonic beast, let's talk about the fundamentals. Just like any athlete needs to warm up before a big game, your vocal cords need to be prepped before you unleash the fury. Breath control is the absolute cornerstone of any vocal technique, especially when it comes to extreme vocals. You're not just singing notes; you're pushing air through your vocal cords in a very specific way to create these intense sounds. Think of your breath as the fuel for your vocal engine. Without proper fuel, your engine will sputter and stall, and in this case, that translates to a weak, inconsistent scream and potential vocal strain. Diaphragmatic breathing is key here. This means breathing deeply into your diaphragm, the large muscle at the base of your lungs, rather than taking shallow breaths into your chest. You should feel your stomach expand as you inhale, and your shoulders should remain relatively still. This type of breathing allows you to take in more air and control the flow more effectively, giving you the power and stamina you need for extended screaming sessions. And stamina is crucial, especially if you're aiming to perform Thy Art Is Murder's discography live. Now, let's talk about vocal warm-ups. These are exercises designed to gently stretch and lubricate your vocal cords, preparing them for the demands of extreme vocals. Think of them as a vocal massage, releasing tension and improving flexibility. Simple humming exercises, lip trills, and tongue rolls are great starting points. You can also incorporate scales and arpeggios to improve your vocal range and control. The goal is to gradually increase the intensity and complexity of your warm-ups, just like you would with a physical workout. A good warm-up routine will not only improve your vocal performance but also help prevent injuries. Remember, consistency is key. Make warm-ups a regular part of your practice routine, and you'll notice a significant difference in your vocal power, control, and endurance. So, breathe deep, warm up those vocal cords, and get ready to unleash your inner beast!

Mastering the Techniques: Fry Screams, False Cords, and Gutturals

Okay, now for the fun part – the techniques that make Thy Art Is Murder's sound so devastating. We're diving into the world of fry screams, false cord screams, and gutturals, the building blocks of extreme metal vocals. Each of these techniques relies on different parts of your vocal anatomy and produces a distinct sound. The fry scream, often described as a raspy, distorted scream, is produced by using a small amount of air and constricting the vocal folds. It's a technique that's relatively gentle on the vocal cords when done correctly, but it requires precise control and a good understanding of vocal cord closure. Think of it as a controlled rasp, almost like a whisper with distortion. The false cord scream, on the other hand, involves engaging the false vocal folds, which are located above the true vocal folds. This technique produces a much more guttural and aggressive sound, often described as a growl or a roar. It requires more air and more force than the fry scream, and it can be more taxing on the vocal cords if not executed properly. Imagine a deep, resonant growl coming from the depths of your chest. And then we have gutturals, the king of the lows in deathcore. Gutturals are produced by manipulating the vocal folds and the throat to create extremely low, distorted sounds. There are various types of gutturals, including the pig squeal, which is a high-pitched, squealing sound created by constricting the throat and pushing air through the vocal cords. Gutturals require a lot of air and a good understanding of vocal resonance. Think of it as channeling the sound of a monstrous creature from the depths of hell. The key to mastering these techniques is to practice them individually and then gradually combine them. Start with the fry scream, as it's a good foundation for other techniques. Focus on control and consistency, and don't push yourself too hard. Once you're comfortable with the fry scream, move on to the false cord scream and then the gutturals. Experiment with different variations of each technique, and find what works best for your voice. Remember, every vocalist has a unique vocal anatomy, so what works for CJ McMahon might not work exactly the same way for you. The goal is to develop your own unique sound while staying true to the spirit of Thy Art Is Murder's music. And most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and rest your voice. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to vocal damage, and that's the last thing you want. So, practice smart, practice consistently, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the extreme vocal techniques of Thy Art Is Murder.

Practice Makes Perfect: Exercises and Drills

Alright, you've got the theory down, now it's time to put in the work. Just like any skill, mastering extreme vocals requires consistent practice and dedication. Think of it as building a muscle – you need to work it regularly to see results. But it's not just about screaming your lungs out; it's about practicing smart and focusing on specific exercises and drills that will improve your technique, control, and stamina. Start with the basics. Remember those warm-up exercises we talked about? Make them a regular part of your routine. Humming, lip trills, and tongue rolls are your best friends. They help to loosen up your vocal cords and prepare them for the demands of extreme vocals. Once you're warmed up, you can start working on specific techniques. For fry screams, try practicing sustained notes with a slight rasp. Focus on maintaining a consistent sound and avoiding any strain. You can also try incorporating fry screams into simple melodies. For false cord screams, try practicing growls and roars. Experiment with different levels of intensity and resonance. You can also try combining false cord screams with fry screams to create a more complex and dynamic sound. And for gutturals, try practicing pig squeals and other low-end techniques. Focus on controlling your airflow and manipulating your throat to produce different sounds. You can also try incorporating gutturals into simple phrases and sentences. Remember, consistency is key. Practice these exercises regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Over time, you'll notice a significant improvement in your vocal technique and control. Another great way to practice is to sing along with Thy Art Is Murder songs. Start with simpler songs and gradually work your way up to the more challenging ones. Pay attention to CJ McMahon's vocal delivery and try to imitate his techniques. But remember, the goal isn't just to copy him; it's to develop your own unique sound within the extreme metal landscape. And most importantly, listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately and rest your voice. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to vocal damage, and that's the last thing you want. So, practice smart, practice consistently, and you'll be well on your way to mastering the extreme vocals of Thy Art Is Murder. And don't forget to record yourself! Listening back to your practice sessions is a great way to identify areas for improvement and track your progress. It can also be incredibly motivating to hear how far you've come. So, grab your microphone, fire up your recording software, and let's get to work!

Avoiding Vocal Strain and Injury: Safety First!

Okay guys, this is super important: safety first! Extreme vocals are, well, extreme. They put a lot of stress on your vocal cords, and if you're not careful, you can seriously injure yourself. Think of your vocal cords like any other muscle in your body – if you push them too hard without proper preparation and technique, you're going to get hurt. Vocal strain and injury can range from temporary hoarseness to long-term damage that can affect your singing voice for years to come. So, let's talk about how to avoid these pitfalls and keep your vocal cords healthy and happy. The first and most important rule is to listen to your body. If you feel any pain or discomfort while practicing extreme vocals, stop immediately and rest your voice. Pain is a warning sign that something is wrong, and ignoring it can lead to serious injury. Don't try to push through the pain – it's not worth it. Another key factor in preventing vocal strain is proper warm-up. We talked about this earlier, but it's worth repeating. Warm-up exercises prepare your vocal cords for the demands of extreme vocals and help to prevent injury. Make warm-ups a regular part of your routine, and don't skip them! Proper technique is also crucial. Using the correct techniques for fry screams, false cord screams, and gutturals will minimize the stress on your vocal cords. If you're not sure about your technique, consider taking lessons from a vocal coach who specializes in extreme vocals. A good coach can help you identify and correct any bad habits that could lead to injury. Hydration is another important factor. Your vocal cords need to be lubricated to function properly, and dehydration can make them more susceptible to strain and injury. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before and after practicing extreme vocals. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can dehydrate you. Rest is also essential. Your vocal cords need time to recover after a strenuous workout. Don't overdo it, and make sure to give your voice plenty of rest between practice sessions. If you're performing live, make sure to pace yourself and avoid screaming too much during rehearsals. And finally, if you experience any persistent hoarseness or vocal fatigue, see a doctor or a speech-language pathologist. They can help diagnose any underlying problems and recommend the appropriate treatment. Remember, your voice is your instrument, and it's worth taking care of. By following these safety tips, you can practice extreme vocals safely and effectively, and unleash your inner beast without risking injury. So, stay hydrated, warm up properly, use good technique, and listen to your body. Your vocal cords will thank you for it!

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Deathcore Beast

So there you have it, guys! Your comprehensive guide to singing Thy Art Is Murder. We've covered everything from the fundamentals of breath control and vocal warm-ups to the advanced techniques of fry screams, false cord screams, and gutturals. We've also emphasized the importance of safety and avoiding vocal strain and injury. Now it's up to you to put in the work and unleash your inner deathcore beast. Remember, mastering extreme vocals is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, dedication, and consistent practice to develop your technique and control. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like CJ McMahon overnight. Every vocalist has a unique voice, and your goal should be to develop your own unique sound within the extreme metal landscape. Experiment with different techniques, find what works best for you, and don't be afraid to push your boundaries. But always remember to listen to your body and prioritize safety. Vocal strain and injury can sideline you for weeks or even months, so it's important to practice smart and avoid overdoing it. And most importantly, have fun! Extreme vocals are a challenging but incredibly rewarding skill to learn. There's nothing quite like the feeling of unleashing a powerful scream or guttural growl. So, embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and let your inner deathcore beast roar! Keep practicing, stay safe, and rock on!