Incorporating melodic singing into modern metal

[Inearthed]

I'm trying to figure out a way to get some ballsy singing (we're not talking Pantera or whatever - I'm thinking something similar to Jens Karlsson from Persuader or even Bruce Dickinson) over some melodic / semi-technical riffing written in an extreme / modern metal framework. I have never really 'written' vocal lines before but I have done a bit of studying with more traditional metal bands (Iron Maiden, for example). I'm having trouble coming up with ideas when we get into melodic sections with guitars playing harmonzed rhythms (think In Flames or maybe even some of the current metalcore (Killswitch Engage, Unearth, etc) but instead of growling / shouting - singing over the riffs). Throwing in a vocal line seems to just kind of be over the top or sounds kind of ridiculous. Any suggestions?

I, myself, am a terrible vocalist and I don't really want to start looking for a singer until I can figure out if this will work. Should I try to contact a singer locally and ask for some help with some stuff?

[Baum83]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

As far as technical riffs with clean singing goes, it doesn't get much better than Nevermore. Warrel's voice definitely is an acquired taste, though.
Ah. Didn't notice the harmony part... bleh. I'd say go for multiple local singers and see what they come up with, or maybe post an example riff of yours and someone on here might chime in with ideas.

[Endrik]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

It is easy if you are a good lead guitarist, singing is just like a improvising/composing a guitar solo. Just listen your rhythm track and come up with a good melodic soolo, and then let your singer sing that solo.

[horns666]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Have you guys heard of Three Inches of Blood....that band really grew on me...they are kinda retro thrash with two singers...one singer sounds like a mix of David Wayne and that persuader singer and they other singer does the throaty death vox....but the music is very metal , catchy and different..I like em! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Inearthed]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see if I can get something recorded a lot of it is really, really rough ideas that I'm trying to develop at this point. I'm a little ahead of myself at this point, but I was just sort of curious if anyone had any tips or whatever. I'll definitely ask around locally and also try the solo idea.

Horns666 - Yeah, I've heard of 'em. Seen them live twice too. Interesting band - they get a ton of shit for the vocals (usually the singing vocalist, believe it or not) around here but I think they're fun to listen to. They have some excellent sections in their songs.

[horns666]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Cool...I never seen them live yet...but I know the music well enough to really enjoy them if they did come thru here...I'd like to see them...

my wife even likes the band and she's hates the whole death vox thing...but she doesn't mind this at all...my kid has a PS2 game with one of their tunes on it..so he likes 'em too..

[Endrik]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

the best advice I can give is listen to the Beatles, no one isn't even close to them when it comes to vocal melodys, it doesn't matter what style music you play, melody is a melody.

[Boxcar Willie 84]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Not really metal but kinda close.... www.myspace.com/laurelei

[toejam]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

[ QUOTE ]
listen to the Beatles, no one is even close to them when it comes to vocal melodys

[/ QUOTE ]
The only band that I can think comes close is (was) Saigon Kick. [img]/images/graemlins/headbang.gif[/img]

[ChickenScratch]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Dude, I love The Inches Of Blood. Except for the death metal type singer. The guy who actually sings just rules.

As far as mixing heavy music with melodic vocals I'm gonna have to say listen to your Nevermore, Iced Earth, Mundanus Imperium (black metal with clean vocals by Jorn Lande. Yes, I did just say black metal with clean vocals), Judas Priest (Painkiller -> Angel Of Retribution. Even the albums with Ripper are good exampls of heavy music with melodic vocals).

[Reverend Timmy]

Re: Incorporating melodic singing into modern meta

Royal Hunt has some interesting vocals for the type of music they do............