Black Metal: Unleashing The Fury of Tuvan Throat Singing

Black metal. The genre conjures images of corpse paint, blast beats, and guttural growls that summon forth the darkest corners of the human psyche. But what if we told you there was a way to push that darkness even further, to tap into a primal fury that transcends mere growls and screams? Enter Tuvan throat singing, a centuries-old Mongolian vocal technique that’s about to tear the black metal scene wide open.

Image Courtesy: The Independent

Imagine the scene: a dimly lit stage, shrouded in fog and swirling with the scent of incense. A lone figure, adorned in ritualistic garb and face paint that wouldn’t look out of place on a Mayhem album, unleashes a torrent of Tuvan throat singing. Deep, guttural tones rumble from their throat, punctuated by piercing whistles and harmonics that echo through the venue like the cries of tortured spirits. The band behind them unleashes a wall of distorted guitars and blast beats, but instead of clashing, their music coalesces with the throat singing, creating a sound that is both hauntingly beautiful and brutally primal.

This isn’t just some hypothetical mashup. Bands like Uada and Tengger Cavalry are already pioneering this sonic fusion, and the results are nothing short of electrifying. Uada’s ‘Devoid of Light’ blends traditional black metal aggression with throat singing that evokes the vastness of the Mongolian steppes, while Tengger Cavalry’s ‘The Great Khan’ channels the spirit of Genghis Khan with a potent mix of heavy riffs and throat-ripping vocals.

But why throat singing? What makes this ancient vocal technique such a perfect fit for the cold fury of black metal? Part of it lies in the sheer physicality of the technique. Unlike traditional growling, throat singing involves manipulating the vocal cords and resonating cavities to produce multiple tones simultaneously. It’s a demanding art form, requiring years of practice and a certain amount of, well, lung power. This physicality translates into a raw, visceral sound that feels primal and untamed, perfectly capturing the essence of black metal’s rebellious spirit.

Furthermore, the themes explored in traditional Tuvan throat singing often overlap with the dark imagery of black metal. Many throat songs tell stories of nature’s harshness, the spirits of the dead, and the eternal struggle between good and evil. These themes resonate deeply with black metal’s focus on the occult, death and the darker aspects of human nature.

Of course, this isn’t to say that Tuvan throat singing black metal is all about brutality and darkness. There’s a beauty and depth to this music that goes beyond the surface-level aggression. The intricate melodies and harmonic textures of throat singing can create moments of unexpected tenderness and introspection, adding a layer of complexity to the music that keeps listeners engaged and captivated.

Image Courtesy: Billboard

So, is Tuvan throat singing black metal the future of extreme music? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: this genre-bending fusion is pushing the boundaries of what black metal can be, and the results are nothing short of exhilarating. If you’re looking for music that’s raw, brutal, and unlike anything you’ve heard before, then prepare to have your ears (and soul) ripped wide open by the throat-shredding symphony of Tuvan throat singing black metal.

Just a word of warning: this music isn’t for the faint of heart. But for those who dare to venture into the sonic abyss, Tuvan throat singing black metal promises a journey that is both terrifying and exhilarating. So crank up the volume, embrace the darkness, and let the primal fury of throat singing consume you.

—Silviya.Y