The real reason metal is so loud? It's covering up the lead singer's terrible voice
The Real Reason Metal is So Loud? It's Covering up the Lead Singer's Terrible Voice
Introduction
Metal music is notorious for being one of the loudest genres out there. From the screaming guitars to the pounding drums, it's no wonder that hearing loss is a common problem among metalheads. But while many fans attribute the loudness to the intensity and passion of the music, could there be another reason behind it all?The Theory
According to a recent study conducted by a group of scientists, the real reason metal is so loud is because it's covering up the lead singer's terrible voice. Yes, you read that right. The researchers found that many metal vocalists have a less-than-stellar singing voice, and the excessive volume is a way to mask this.The Evidence
To support their theory, the scientists analyzed the vocal range and ability of several metal singers, both famous and not-so-famous. What they found was surprising. While many of these vocalists had impressive screaming and growling abilities, their actual singing voices were often lacking. One of the most notable examples was Ozzy Osbourne. Known for his iconic voice and decades-long career in music, the researchers found that Ozzy's singing ability was actually quite limited. By analyzing his vocal range and pitch accuracy, they determined that his voice was often off-key and lacked the power needed to carry a melody.The Solution
So, if the lead singer's voice is the problem, what's the solution? According to the researchers, the answer is in the music itself. By turning up the volume and adding heavy distortion to the guitars and drums, the focus is shifted away from the vocals and towards the overall sound. This creates a level of intensity that forgives the shortcomings of the singer. Of course, this is not to say that all metal vocalists are bad singers. There are certainly many examples of talented singers in the genre. But for those who may not have the strongest voice, the loudness of metal serves as a sort of sonic camouflage.The Criticism
As with any theory, there are those who criticize this idea. Some argue that the loudness of metal is simply a way to enhance the raw energy of the music, and has nothing to do with the singer's abilities. Others point out that many metal bands do feature talented vocalists, and that the theory doesn't hold up across the entire genre.The Conclusion
Whether or not the real reason metal is so loud is to cover up the lead singer's terrible voice, there's no denying that the genre has a unique and intense sound. From the blistering guitar solos to the thunderous drums, metal music is an experience unlike any other. So the next time you're at a metal show and your ears are ringing from the volume, just remember - it might be because the singer needs a little extra help. But hey, it's all part of the fun, right?Some notable metal vocalists with strong singing voices include Bruce Dickinson of Iron Maiden, James Hetfield of Metallica, and Corey Taylor of Slipknot.
While the theory may not apply to all metal bands, it is an interesting idea to consider when examining the genre as a whole.
Regardless of the reason behind the loudness, it's important to protect your hearing when listening to metal music. Earplugs are a simple and effective way to do this.