3 metal songs

[akarawd]

I took Ron's, Jonathan's and Keith's advice (all of which I agree with 100%) from my "last in line" post

and tried to put it into effect.Again, there is no autotuning and voices were recorded in 1-3 takes maximum.

Dio - Rainbow in the Dark : https://app.box.com/s/3hg7zyr5zri6nzkwwrwi

EDIT : Same song but sung heavier : https://app.box.com/s/0dllu0utq3tlksf79ynl

Queensryche - Queen of the Ryche : https://app.box.com/s/x6i4egzc28bjuiq4818s

Iron Maiden - 2 Minutes to Midnight : https://app.box.com/s/eno2bm44veqqt1y1h9qi

Gates of Babylon : https://app.box.com/s/f54ncf3e7f0s8a9z3ahs

Rainbow in the Dark has a few 2nds all of which were done on the fly.

I used to have this "covered", thick, without any edge tone that always felt like I'd never be able to

sing in the passagio area but I think it is changing. I am trying to tame this new voice and I'm glad I feel no pain and that it does not ruin my clean voice (although it does take its toll as it is still the beginning).

Let me know what you think,

Than

[ronws]

Your heavier version of "Rainbow in the Dark" - spot on perfect. Keep that. The other one was neat because of the demonic sounding chorus but the heavier version has, IMHO, a better, solid vocal line. It's okay to go heavy, if that is what your voice does.

I liked QotR. Heavier than the original and totally suits your voice. Do yourself a favor and do it that way, not like Geoff. His way is fine, for him. Your way is fine for you.

"2 Minutes to Midnight" - strongest one of the bunch but I have a hard time between that and and QotR as the best. They are both absolutely awesome.

Reminds me, I should send you my cover of "Rainbow in the Dark." It is absolutely the first thing I recorded with the rig that you got for me.

Prepare yourself for an email of the "Ron" kind.

[akarawd]

Many thanks for your input Ron.

I was thinking about that you know ;going with what suits my voice and not try to imitate each singer and just went with what comes easy.

My only worry is, do these tones sound acceptable to most? It really helped telling me you like the delivery the way it is.

I know there are many mistakes but my goal is to exercise my voice overall and gain from its strengthening by finally applying some of this "edge"/"ping" that I never had, as well as letting go of all the excessive vocal weight that used to choke me.

Hope more will chime in ?

Don't be afraid to be honest guys, even if you just want to say that it sounds "weird".

Cheers,

Than

[ronws]

You could be right, Thanos. Just because I liked it and value someone doing something in his own voice doesn't mean others will like it. Doesn't mean that my ethos of singing in one's own voice is valid, either. Just a perspective. Like a member of the music buying public.

Which puts you between a rock and a hard place. Who to appease? Other singing experts (of which I am not) who may critique you for how much you do or don't sound like the original, or the general public, who will give euros if they like what you do. (Not that I have either. )

[akarawd]

Putting myself between the hammer and the anvil is the only way I can learn and improve.

[ronws]

Evidently, Thanos, I am your only audience. So, listen to me.

Either that, or others are so envious of your lucious rasp and cannot comment without avarice and find it better to not comment at all.

I should stop while I am ahead ....

You have an awesome voice, all silliness aside. And you are an angel, to boot. Such is the burden that you must bear.

[akarawd]

lol Either that or there are so many mistakes and the tone is so weird they don't know where to begin lol

[Chavie]

I don't see any links .............:/

[akarawd]

Sorry, I was going to re-record them today but it's best I give my voice some rest, they're up again

plus one more.

[slstone]

I don't critique other people's singing, as everyone knows, for many reasons. But I want to add my 2 cents to some things others have said. In agreement with my brother, Ron, I don't care if people try to sound like the original or not. What I look for when listening is technique and pitch. Proper breathing helps, too, lest one suck in a breath on an odd place.

I also have an affinity for '2 Minutes to Midnight' as it is the first 'Metal' song I learned to play back in the 80's and one of the first songs I cut my teeth on singing. I have been a die hard Maiden fan for about 25 years.

Been a Queensryche fan just as long.

Side note: awesome concert I went to back in 2000. Was still living in NH before moving to Maine. Concert was in Portland, Maine. First opener was Rob Halford when he went solo for his album 'Resurrection'. Next up was Queensryche(Obviously Geoff still singing). I've loved Queensryche since the original MindCrime album. Still my fave album, too, and from what I hear, most Queensryche fans hold that album as their favorite as well. And headlinging the show was Maiden(about the 6th time I had seen them, lol).

Definitely got my money's worth in the ticket. I took my lovely wife, Debra, with me. At the time we were dating. We married later that year.

And of course, who doesn't like Dio?

I haven't spent much time in my studio lately. Been doing a lot of fixing up of the house and cleaning out crap while the weather is good. Here in Maine, its cold for 9 months of the year. But I have been working on a Dio song that I will post when completed(all the music is done(all played by me as usual)). Just need to do vocals. When I have time, need the right day(friggin hoarse voice all the time doesn't help).

But as another note, those 3 vocalists(Dio, Tate and Dickinson) are considered some of the absolute best in the business. They are not easy to follow.

And there's my 2 cents worth. Anyone want their change back? lol

[ronws]

And there's my 2 cents worth. Anyone want their change back? lol

And a receipt, as well. Sorry, I couldn't resist taking advantage of that line.

Sincerely, your bro, "lack of restraint" Ron.

[akarawd]

Slstone, I respect your decision not to critique but I would have liked to hear your honest opinion even if

it's on one of the songs and in the lines of "I can't stand this tone" or what have you.

Cheers,

Than

[ronws]

Thanos, slstone is my actual brother. And he pulls no punches, even with me. So the lack of "problems" noted is a good thing. In fact the performance was good enough to bring back good memories for him.

That means something. Trust me, he is being fair.

[Olem]

Great job, Thanos! I really like your thick sounding voice. My favourite song among these were "2 Minutes To Midnight". Like others have mentioned you need more pitch control, something that will come with time and practise and as i have understood it you have been away for awhile. Practise these songs every day and study the originals and you will see improvements occur rapidly. I have a big problem with recognizing pitch but after i have downloaded a piano software i have made some improvements.

[akarawd]

You honestly think this voice sounds thick ? I was worried it sounds too fake/thin/lacking "meat" to be honest.

[ronws]

It might help others to know that even though Thanos has been away from the forum for a while, it does not mean he has been away from singing for a while.

[akarawd]

Oh but he has lol

On the other hand, I did try to use my voice in a totally different way than before, short of "reset" it in a

way or two and I am glad I did. But as far as real singing goes, zero. Just different overall voice use.

[ronws]

So, I stand corrected. Sorry about that. I know you are or were a teacher and had to use your voice all day, in class. Are you still teaching? (And I think it was english-as-second-language, right?)

[akarawd]

I'll let you know via email but your memory serves you very well, it was brutal.

[akarawd]

Gates of Babylon in a second take (same vain) :

https://app.box.com/s/1mldf0d4n9f41h47fwvb