Hello and welcome to the first edition of Progscars!

Fifteen imaginary awards to give out to the most interesting progressive rock and metal music to come out in 2017. I decided to do this for fun but also to build awareness of bands and artists.

Today we explore the best harsh vocal performances on prog songs of 2017. Do check out the criteria section below.

Disclaimer:

Everyone has different definitions about which band, album and song is progressive and which isn’t. For simplicity, I have stuck to bands classified as progressive rock or metal either on rateyourmusic.com or sputnikmusic.com and occasionally based on what I think. When it is says Song in the title, it specifically means a song belonging to an album by a band classified as progressive based on point 1. I’m also sure there are a few songs on this list (and the ones to come) that are 4/4 and hardly classify as a ‘Prog Song’ but I’ve included them nevertheless. Albums in December 2017 haven’t been considered! So no Diablo Swing Orchestra. Mainly because I was too busy exploring earlier albums that I might have missed out. I’ll include them in the next edition. If you spot errors anywhere (mostly in the technical side of things), let me know. I’m always open to criticism – constructive or destructive. EPs or Live Albums not considered for any of these lists.

Criteria for Judgement:

Harsh vocals are so hard to judge, am I right? I’m going to go with a rather simple criteria – the vocals should be audible (One should be able to make out at least eighty percent of the lyrics) and complementing other instruments well. Needless to say what is audible and whether that is a good criteria is HIGHLY subjective.

Now that that’s over with let’s get down to business! There are one Just Missed, four nominations and, of course, one winner. The number of nominations would change depending on category.

JUST MISSED

Paul Black on “Asterisms” (from The Innumerable Stars by Naeramarth)

Why? One of my favourite harsh vocalists is Ihsahn and the guest vocalist Paul Black on the album seems to have a taken a page of his book in terms of vocal texture (and a few other aspects). “Asterisms” is one the songs where this is brought to the forefront.

#5

Marcus Luscombe on “Preserved in Ash” (from Diaspora by Cormorant)

Why? A song that I’ve already appreciated in the outro list, “Preserved in Ash” is an extraordinary effort where each element contributes towards something monstrous. That includes Luscombe’s guttural and deep vocals.

#4

Jake Luhrs on “Invisible Enemy” (from Phantom Anthem by August Burns Red)

Why? I don’t enjoy the metalcore genre partly because I find the vocals grating but August Burns Red was the first band with vocals I’ve grown to tolerate and later appreciate. And “Invisible Enemy” is a good example to see why.

#3

Xenoyr on “Urn” (from Urn by Ne Obliviscaris)

Why? I mentioned in my review how “Urn” reminds me a lot of “Blackwater Park” and Xenoyr’s harsh vox are a big reason why. The extended scream from 4:11 on Pt. 1 reminds you of it, no? They also heavily contribute to the dark atmosphere created during the buildup.

#2

Oli Peters on “Calamus will Animate” (from Relentless Mutation by Archspire)

Why? Death metal rap, guys? I have a huge preference for something unique in music and this vocal style in tech death is just irresistible. And the guy definitely has a great sense of humour as well, check out this ‘karaoke’ video.

WINNER!

Grutle Kjellson on “Storm Son” (from E by Enslaved)

Why? I have my favourites among harsh vocalists – Ihsahn, Mikael Åkerfeldt (sad reacts only) and yes, Grutle Kjellson. Even after twenty years in the business, his delivery is just perfect. That entrance at 4:28 and the dragging of each word at the end of the phrase is kickass. Only complain – There aren’t enough of his vox in the new album!

So which are your favourite harsh vox tracks from 2017?

Would love to hear from you! Let me know either in the comments here, on Facebook (Preferably) or on Instagram. You can follow me on Spotify (You might get a sneak peak of the awards a day in advance!)

Here’s the Spotify playlist of all the above tracks:

The first TEN awards are already out!

Best Bass Performance in a Song here.

Best Debut Album here.

Best Outro of a Song here.

Best Production on an Album here.

Best Intro to a Song here.

Best Use of Electronica in a Song here.

Best Use of an Unconventional Instrument in a Song here.

Best Instrumental Song here.

Best Collaboration or Guest Appearance on a Song here.

Best Keyboard Performance in a Song here.