Who Was the First Death Metal Vocalist? A Detailed Exploration
The origins of death metal are as enigmatic as they are fascinating, with many vocalists laying claim to the title of the first to bring the genre to life. This article aims to delve into the history and the roles of key figures who paved the way for this extreme form of metal music.
The Evolution of Death Metal Vocal Style
The vocal style of death metal, prominently characterized by its 'gutteral' or low-pitched wailing, is a hallmark of the genre. While many vocalists are celebrated for perfecting this style, there are differing viewpoints on who should be credited as the first true death metal vocalist.
The Contenders
Chuck Schuldiner of the band Death and Jeff Becerra of Possessed are often mentioned in discussions about the first death metal vocalist. However, others argue that Kam Lee from the band Massacre achieved a perfected deep and guttural approach to death metal vocals.
Schuldiner and Becerra
The debate over the first death metal vocalist is complex and involves a detailed examination of the early history of the genre. Chuck Schuldiner of Death is a notable figure, with his influential contributions to death metal. Schuldiner, who passed away in 2001, is considered one of the pioneers of death metal. His vocal style, characterized by shrieks and guttural sounds, significantly influenced the genre.
Jeff Becerra from Possessed is another key figure. Becerra's unique vocals, which he introduced with the band's debut album Seven Churches in 1986, are considered a defining element of the death metal sound. It is often argued that he literally invented the genre and the term 'death metal.' However, the usage of the term 'death metal' can be traced back to even earlier.
The Early Demos
The origins of the term 'death metal' and the style are more complex than a single vocalist. The band Possessed released their demo 'Death Metal' in 1984, while Death released their demo 'Death By Metal' in 1983 under the name Mantas. These early demos are crucial in understanding the origins of the genre.
The earliest death metal groups, such as Cronos Venom, Tom Angelripper Sodom, Tom G. Warrior Hellhammer, and Quorthon Bathory, released their material around 1983, long before Posessed or Death. This creates a debate about who can be called the first death metal vocalist.
Kam Lee and the Primeval Vocal Style
Kam Lee, the original vocalist of Massacre, is often noted for his guttural style, which was a prominent feature in the band's early recordings. It can be argued that he perfected the deep and raw vocal approach, setting a standard for future death metal vocalists. However, the consensus often leans towards the vocal styles of Schuldiner and Becerra, who are seen as definitive in their influence and experimentation.
Conclusion
While the debate over the first death metal vocalist might never be fully resolved, this discussion highlights the rich history and evolution of the genre. Chuck Schuldiner, Jeff Becerra, and Kam Lee, among others, are integral figures in the history of death metal vocal styles, each contributing unique elements to the ever-growing library of extreme music.