Your Guide To Mastering Extreme Vocals: How To Scream Like Alex Terrible
Have you ever listened to the powerful, guttural sounds of Alex Terrible and wondered, "How on earth do they do that?" It's a common thought, really, especially for anyone who appreciates heavy music. That deep, rumbling growl and the intense, piercing screams can seem like something only a few people could ever produce. Many aspiring vocalists feel drawn to that kind of sound, wanting to add that raw energy to their own singing.
It's fascinating, too, how different "screams" can be, isn't it? When you hear the word "scream," your mind might go to a horror film, perhaps even a classic like the ones mentioned in My text, where a masked killer targets victims. But today, we're talking about a very different kind of scream, one that is a true art form in music.
This article is here to help you get closer to that incredible vocal style, teaching you how to scream like Alex Terrible, but more importantly, how to do it safely. We'll explore the techniques involved, talk about keeping your voice healthy, and give you some practical steps to begin your own vocal journey. So, are you ready to learn?
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Table of Contents
- Who is Alex Terrible? A Look at the Vocalist
- Getting Started: The Basics of Extreme Vocals
- The Alex Terrible Sound: Techniques to Explore
- Practice and Progression: Building Your Vocal Strength
- Vocal Health: Keeping Your Voice Strong and Safe
- Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Vocals
Who is Alex Terrible? A Look at the Vocalist
Biography and Musical Journey
Alex Terrible, whose actual name is Aleksandr Shikolai, is a really well-known figure in the heavy music scene. He's the lead vocalist for the Russian deathcore band Slaughter to Prevail. His vocal style is, you know, quite distinct and has gained a lot of attention for its extreme depth and power.
He started making music years ago, more or less building up a reputation for his powerful delivery. The band formed around 2014, and they've been putting out some pretty heavy tracks ever since. People often point to his growls and shrieks as a sort of benchmark for extreme vocals, which is quite a compliment, actually.
Alex Terrible also shares a lot of his vocal journey and tips online, which has helped many aspiring vocalists. He's very open about his practice and how he achieves his sound, making him a sort of mentor for those wanting to learn. It's really cool to see, honestly.
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Personal Details / Bio Data
Full Name | Aleksandr Shikolai |
Stage Name | Alex Terrible |
Band | Slaughter to Prevail |
Role | Lead Vocalist |
Genre | Deathcore |
Nationality | Russian |
Getting Started: The Basics of Extreme Vocals
Before you even think about making those intense sounds, it's really important to get the basics down. You wouldn't try to run a marathon without training, would you? The same idea applies here, very much so, to your vocal cords.
Understanding Vocal Production
Your voice works because air passes over your vocal cords, causing them to vibrate. For extreme vocals, you're looking to create sound using parts of your throat that aren't your true vocal cords. This is often called "false cord" or "fry" screaming. It's a bit like learning a new way to use your body, you know?
The trick is to do this without putting too much pressure on your true vocal cords. That's why understanding how sound is made in your throat is a big step. You want to feel the vibration in the right spots, which is usually higher up in your throat or even in your chest, depending on the sound you're aiming for.
Breathing Techniques for Power
Proper breathing is, quite frankly, the backbone of any strong vocal performance, especially extreme ones. You need a lot of air support to produce those sustained, powerful sounds. This means breathing from your diaphragm, not just your chest.
To feel your diaphragm, you can place a hand on your stomach and breathe in. Your stomach should move out, not your chest rising significantly. This gives you a deeper, more stable supply of air, which is absolutely vital for making loud, controlled noises without running out of breath too quickly.
Practicing deep, controlled breaths will help you sustain your screams and growls. Try to make your exhale smooth and even, like a slow hiss, really focusing on keeping that stomach expanded as you let the air out. This helps build the muscle memory you need.
Warming Up Your Voice
Never, ever skip your warm-ups. This is like stretching before a workout; it gets your vocal mechanism ready and helps prevent injury. Think of your vocal cords as muscles that need to be prepared, you know, for intense activity.
Start with gentle hums and lip trills. Then move to some simple scales, maybe even some light siren sounds. The goal is to gradually increase blood flow and flexibility in your throat and vocal cords. You want to feel loose and ready before attempting any harsh sounds.
A good warm-up might take 10-15 minutes. It's a small investment for protecting your voice and making sure you can perform at your best. This is, like, pretty important for long-term vocal health.
The Alex Terrible Sound: Techniques to Explore
Alex Terrible's sound is a blend of different extreme vocal techniques, primarily focusing on false cord screams and deep growls. Getting his particular tone means understanding these methods and how to combine them. It's not just one thing, you know?
False Cord Screams: The Foundation
False cord screaming is probably the most common type of extreme vocal. It uses your false vocal cords, which are located above your true vocal cords, to create a distorted sound. It's a bit like a controlled rumble in your throat, really.
To find your false cords, try to make a gentle, guttural sound, almost like a sigh of relief, or a quiet growl. You should feel a vibration in your throat, but it shouldn't feel like it's coming from your voice box itself. It should feel relaxed, not strained. This is, arguably, the most important step.
Once you find that sensation, gradually add more air pressure from your diaphragm. The sound should get louder and more distorted without feeling painful. Remember, if it hurts, stop immediately. Pain is a clear sign you're doing something wrong.
Fry Screams: Adding Texture
Fry screams are another type of harsh vocal, often higher pitched and more piercing than false cord screams. They use vocal fry, which is that crackly, low sound you sometimes hear at the end of a sentence. You then add air pressure to create a scream.
To find your vocal fry, let out all the air from your lungs, then try to make the lowest, crackliest sound possible. It should sound like a slow, sputtering engine. This is your vocal fry. Now, with a bit more air, try to push that sound out. It's a more delicate balance than false cord, in some respects.
Alex Terrible sometimes uses fry screams for higher-pitched shrieks or to add texture to his growls. It's a versatile technique that can give your vocals a different feel. Just be careful not to push too hard, as fry can be a bit more fragile on the voice.
Deep Growls: Cultivating Resonance
The deep growls are a hallmark of Alex Terrible's sound. These are usually false cord screams, but with a focus on resonance and a lower vocal placement. You want to make the sound resonate in your chest and even your nasal cavity to get that full, rich tone.
To achieve this, try to "drop" the sound down into your chest. Imagine you're trying to speak with a very deep, booming voice, but then add the false cord distortion. You might also try to slightly open your throat more, creating a larger chamber for the sound to resonate. This really helps, you know, with the depth.
Experiment with different vowel sounds, like "oooo" or "aaaa" as you growl. This can help you find the sweet spot for resonance and projection. It's a bit of a feeling-out process, but it's very rewarding when you get it.
Vocal Placement and Resonance
Where you "place" the sound in your head and chest makes a big difference in the final sound. For Alex Terrible's style, you're aiming for a sound that feels like it's coming from deep within your chest and throat, yet also has some presence in your facial cavities. It's almost like the sound is filling you up.
Try humming and feeling where the vibration is. For a deep growl, you want to feel it low in your chest. For a more cutting scream, you might feel it higher, perhaps in your sinuses. Directing the sound to these areas, without forcing it, helps shape the tone. This is, like your, unique vocal fingerprint.
Learning to control resonance takes practice. It's about feeling the vibrations and adjusting your mouth, tongue, and throat to amplify certain frequencies. This can make your screams sound fuller and more impactful, rather than thin or weak.
Practice and Progression: Building Your Vocal Strength
Learning extreme vocals is a journey, not a sprint. Consistency and patience are key. You won't sound exactly like Alex Terrible overnight, but with steady practice, you can definitely make progress. It's a bit like learning any new skill, honestly.
Consistent Practice Routines
Short, regular practice sessions are far more effective than long, infrequent ones. Aim for 15-30 minutes a day, perhaps three to five times a week. This allows your voice to adapt and build strength without getting overworked. Too much at once can lead to strain, you know?
Always start with your warm-ups. Then, work on specific techniques for a few minutes each. Don't try to do everything at once. Focus on one type of scream or growl until you feel comfortable with it before moving on. This helps build a solid foundation.
Remember to take breaks within your sessions and listen to your body. If you feel any discomfort, stop. Your voice needs time to rest and recover, especially when learning new, demanding techniques. That's, like, pretty fundamental.
Listening and Imitation
One of the best ways to learn is by listening closely to Alex Terrible himself. Pick out specific vocal phrases or sounds he makes. Try to imitate them, but remember to use the safe techniques you're learning. Don't just try to copy the sound without understanding the method behind it.
Pay attention to the nuances in his voice: when he uses a deeper growl, when he adds a higher shriek, how he transitions between sounds. This helps you develop an ear for the style. You can also listen to other vocalists in the genre to broaden your understanding, too it's almost like studying different dialects.
Don't be afraid to experiment. While you're aiming for Alex Terrible's style, you'll also develop your own unique vocal signature over time. It's a process of learning and adapting, which is really cool.
Recording and Self-Assessment
Record yourself during practice. It might feel a little strange at first, but it's an incredibly helpful tool. What you hear in your head isn't always what comes out, so listening back helps you identify areas for improvement. This is, you know, a pretty objective way to check your progress.
Listen for clarity, consistency, and most importantly, any signs of strain or unwanted sounds. Does it sound forced? Is it clear? Are you hitting the right notes (if applicable)? This feedback loop is essential for refining your technique. You can also compare your recordings to Alex Terrible's tracks to see where you're at.
Keep a vocal journal. Note down what worked well, what felt difficult, and what you want to focus on next. This helps you track your progress and stay organized in your practice. It's a simple step that makes a big difference, honestly.
Vocal Health: Keeping Your Voice Strong and Safe
This section cannot be stressed enough: vocal health is paramount. Extreme vocals, when done incorrectly, can cause serious damage. Your voice is a precious instrument, and you need to treat it with care. This is, like, absolutely non-negotiable.
Hydration and Rest
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Your vocal cords need to stay hydrated to function properly. Dry vocal cords are more prone to irritation and injury. Room temperature water is usually best, and try to avoid overly sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can be dehydrating.
Get enough sleep. Your voice, like the rest of your body, needs rest to recover. If you're tired, your vocal cords will be too, and you'll be more likely to strain them. This is a simple, yet very effective way to keep your voice in top shape.
Avoid talking loudly or excessively, especially on days you're practicing. Give your voice a break when you're not actively using it for practice or performance. It's a bit like giving your muscles a rest day after a tough workout.
Avoiding Strain and Pain
The golden rule of extreme vocals is: if it hurts, stop. Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong. Pushing through pain can lead to serious, long-term damage to your vocal cords. This is, quite frankly, the most important piece of advice you'll get.
You should feel a sensation of vibration or pressure, but never sharp pain, burning, or a scratchy feeling. If your voice feels tired or hoarse, take a break. It's better to rest for a day or two than to cause an injury that could sideline you for weeks or months.
Listen to your body. Everyone's voice is different, and what feels okay for one person might not feel okay for another. Be mindful of how your throat feels during and after practice. Your voice will tell you what it needs, if you just listen.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent hoarseness, loss of voice, pain that doesn't go away, or any other concerning vocal symptoms, please see a doctor. Specifically, an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, or a laryngologist, is the best person to consult. They can properly diagnose any issues.
Consider working with a qualified vocal coach who specializes in extreme vocals. They can provide personalized guidance, correct your technique, and help you develop your voice safely. A good coach can spot problems you might not notice yourself. You can learn more about vocal coaching on our site.
Investing in your vocal health is an investment in your musical future. Learning to scream like Alex Terrible is a cool goal, but doing it safely means you'll be able to keep doing it for a long, long time. And you can also link to this page for more vocal health tips.
Frequently Asked Questions About Extreme Vocals
Is screaming bad for your voice?
Screaming can indeed be bad for your voice if it's done without proper technique. When you scream incorrectly, you put undue stress on your vocal cords, which can lead to issues like vocal nodules, polyps, or general strain. However, when extreme vocals are performed with correct diaphragm support, relaxed throat muscles, and proper distortion techniques, they can be done safely. It's all about learning the right way to produce the sound without damaging your true vocal cords. Many professional extreme vocalists maintain healthy voices for years by using safe methods.
How do you do a false cord scream?
To do a false cord scream, you first need to locate your false vocal cords. Try making a gentle, guttural "ugh" sound, like you're lifting something heavy or sighing deeply. You should feel a slight vibration in your throat, distinct from your regular speaking voice. Once you find that sensation, gradually add more air support from your diaphragm, pushing the sound out. The key is to keep your true vocal cords relaxed and let the distortion come from the false cords. It should never feel painful or strained. Start quietly and slowly increase intensity as you get comfortable. It's a bit like learning to burp on command, you know, but with a different purpose.
How do I get a deep growl?
Getting a deep growl, like Alex Terrible's, usually involves using a false cord technique with a focus on low vocal placement and resonance. Start with your false cord scream, then try to "drop" the sound lower in your throat and chest. Imagine you're trying to speak with a very deep, booming voice, but then apply the false cord distortion. Open your mouth and throat slightly to create more space for the sound to resonate. Experiment with different vowel shapes, like "oh" or "uh," as these can help you find a deeper, fuller tone. Breathing deeply from your diaphragm is also crucial for sustaining these low, powerful sounds. It takes consistent practice to develop that deep, resonant quality, but it's totally achievable.
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