How To Sing & Scream Like Matt Heafy - Trivium (False Cord, Extreme Distortion, Melodic)

Free Voice Lessons: chrisliepe.com/free-your-voice/
My Website: chrisliepe.com
‪@matthewkheafy‬
Matt's KZbin channel: / matthewkheafy
Matt's versatile, full of character voice along with great guitar playing and songwriting make Trivium's music some of the most emotionally engaging music in the genre... AND, once you get some of his techniques and melodies worked into your voice, he's just plain fun to sing along with! (Something you can't say about many harsh vocalists!!)
Let's dive into Matt's style, discuss a little production, try some new things with our own vocals and see what happens!

[@BuddyLove1899]

Matt is both a genius and a interesting character when you talk vocals, and this video only got a portion of his works. As I understand there is two Matt: pre and post tearing his vocal chords (in 2014 I guess). In his earlier works, both studio and live, he had a very raspy scream singing probably inspired by Hetfield in the late 80s. It was more raw but less technical in a healthy way. There was even Download 06 when he couldn't even scream properly for some reason so he sing all set. In 09, there's some sets where his going to the limit, doing some misplaced highs and I think that had taken its toll. Then he jumped into the vocal training, changed his technique as he saw from tearing the vocal chords happened to him as happened to others before for the same reason (Matt Shadows from Avenged comes to mind). It was that VF/SITS era that he went full David Draiman, and as if was not the best Trivium in my opinion, he started developing different techniques and approaches that lead to his present singing. Then he started streaming daily and had mastered again another healthy and more efficient ways, even though sometimes ON THE STREAMS it sounds a little nasal for my taste, he is on prime and it reflects on both the awesome last couple of records and his live show. I miss his old school live vocals, that was what got me hooked in the first place, but he's newest techniques/his versatility are astonishing nowadays. Great video as always, Chris.

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for this backstory @BuddyLove1899 !! I've pinned your comment cause it really helps fill gaps and for me in my understanding of his approach!

[@Jacob-mo1io]

Just to add on to a couple things, matt wasn't screaming in 06 cos he briefly changed to raspy vocals exclusively during the crusade era. Then apart from the more draiman-y cleans, his technique stayed the same till he blew his voice out in 2014, then started developing the new screaming technique for everything outside the studio. It went thru a bit of a change in the past year or two, sounds a lot less croaky now if u compare something from 2017 to something recent, he's also taken the rasp out of most of his cleans outside the studio as well...

[@luizfernandonovais9964]

@@chrisliepeHi Chris, about this Topic of vocal damage, can you do a series explaining what they done wrong and How vocalist adapted after damage.I love If you take examples from real life like Matt, M. Shadows, Chino Moreno, Bert from the Used among others.Cheers from Brazil and keep the good Work.

[@Nidstang_]

Matt is my #1 musical inspiration - in terms of song writing, guitar playing, and vocals. I'm nowhere near his level of talent, but I wear that inspiration on my sleeve.

[@Skullpile]

same.

[@Sinzelenia]

Its not much about talent, but hard work and practice. The dude is playing since 14-15. The result, the best band.

[@Bigwilliestyles83]

I know that matt has talked about singing and screaming differently in the studio than when he plays live. He had a vocal injury before The Sin and the Sentence and now when he is touring or streaming he uses different technique than when recording in the studio. His stuff on Ibaraki uses these safer techniques.

[@chrisliepe]

Ya, I like how open Matt's been about his music and voice in general. Really cool that he connects with fans like he does!

[@serart41]

Tr

[@archmagosdominusbelisarius8836]

He had it before Silence in the Snow, so yeah technically before Sin and the Sentence, but its morr precise this way

[@garfeeble]

this band is the reason im a musician. everything they do inspires me to be better. i admire each musician in both their skills and character, their production is incredible, and i love the writing so much. i honestly cant get enough of this band.

[@Tybren]

Same. Shogun is still my favorite album of all time, not sure what it will take to dethrone it. Such phenomenal guitar work, vocals, lyrics, and just a melting pot of metal subgenres!

[@rudyzee6427]

I’m a simple man, I see Matt Heafy and Trivium and I click.

[@ladrian6341]

Same here man

[@usssimshullnumberdd-4095]

Literally me

[@eren0228]

Matt is one of my favorite vocalist/frontman in general. He's the one who got me messing around with my voice in my bedroom, trying to sing along with Trivium songs. I'm so happy for this video, great stuff!

[@kevinlewis2661]

I would love to see you talk to Matt about his technique and the changes he made. He seems like a really good guy! One of my favorite vocalists!

[@chrisliepe]

Maybe this video will connect us!

[@goner.9989]

He does the sustainable technique on the road and streaming, but with recording, it’s still him blowing his voice out. He says that himself.

[@brotheraugustine]

Matt’s whole career has been great. And he’s stayed humble too, gotta respect that.

[@airguitar1321]

It's also worth noting that Matt has said whenever he uses his old technique (like what he uses in studio), he can taste blood. Glad he found something that works and doesn't hurt!

[@chrisliepe]

Absolutely!!

[@-xlntc91x-]

You said something really important here that aspiring singers should remind themselves of: It's not necessary to have a super wide vocal range as long as you have interesting dynamics and make good use of the notes you have. So many of us are pushing for those super high notes and get frustrated. Relax, find joy in singing and work with what you got.

[@nolan_riddle]

Thank you so much for this Chris I've been waiting for months can't wait to practice this!

[@deankaramesinis3471]

Awesome work Chris, I love watching your videos. They have helped heaps since I have started vocals. Keep it up !!

[@tedaldifabrice2595]

A very big thank you, I've been waiting for this one for a long time! :)

[@usssimshullnumberdd-4095]

The amount of detail and methodical analysis you put in to these videos is absolutely mind blowing. Keep doing what youre doing :D

[@knightfromjupiter]

Yess! I was waiting for this one!

[@semu8030]

I want to thank you for one aspect of my screaming I've figured out thanks to your videos. It was by accident, but after watching your recent video about how to growl and scream in low pitches, I tried to do something like what you did there, but instead of getting the hang of the technique that way, I thought of some stuff you said about false chord engagement and, while adding some more air to hide the pitch completely, I discovered I can growl just following the false chord technique. Now I'm able to growl just like if it was a studio recording and most importantly without running out of air too soon. Thank you for all the help you give us for free, I really appreciate it, maybe I don't have the time to dedicate to your courses, but I make sure to leave a like before watching every video because I know beforehand I'm going to enjoy it

[@CLiMBiTdoiT]

This comes so spot on man! I've been listening to the whole Trivium katalog from new to old wile I'm studying and it's so f**ing cool and reminds me why Trivium was one of the bands that inspired me to start making music. Vocals are a struggle for me and it's amazing to have someone like you (Chris) that inspires me to not give up on my singing and believe that there is hope if I just keep trying and practicing. 🙏

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks Homodeus! I'm glad you've found inspiration and are continuing the pursuits !!

[@nafi2668]

Somehow the way you explained how the false chord and vocal break works, makes me feel like I can do it! Just needed a place where I can practice screaming without disturbing other people lol~ Thanks a lot for the analysis, it's really informative as always \m/

[@chrisliepe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@armanpgrigorian]

Was not expecting this at all. Excellent work

[@jimijames27]

Love it! You choose the best vocalists.

[@rycohen22]

Great video Chris! Would love a video covering The Shadow of the abattoir by Trivium. Imo, one of the strongest vocal displays by Matt. Thanks for all you do !

[@chrisliepe]

Great suggestion!

[@chrisrueth3204]

This is such an awesome video. I’m not a vocalist at all, but it’s so fascinating to me.

[@yamadut2183]

Awesome job! 👍👍👍

[@jenesisthenemesis7136]

May I ask that you talk about Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills? I'd like to hear your thoughts about his singing from a spectacle standpoint because he has so much fun on their new album Welcome to Horrorwood: the Silver Scream. Thank you again for making these deep dive videos!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Great idea!

[@cluelesscactus2098]

Yes I've been waiting for this!

[@Metalkake]

Fantastic analysis sir!

[@sawekziokowski7114]

This is so cool!

[@burnout247iw]

Holy moly. Unexpected, but not unwelcome! Gonna watch this now

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for watching!

[@callyatheoriginal]

One of my favourite Singers thank u so much for unpacking

[@chrisliepe]

You're welcome!

[@garfeeble]

YES THIS IS AWESOME THIS IS FAVORITE BAND EVER I LOVE THIS BAND SO MUCH THIS IS SO COOL I LOVE THE PRODUCTION OF THE NEW ALBUM. i am clearly very very very excited. this new album is my favorite of all time

[@sauron8617]

Maybe Matt Tuck from BFMV? He's my favorite vocalist and I'm really wondering what will you think about his vocal techniques.

[@WheelsOfDeath]

I kinda love it when they have two or more styles of singing the same line overlapping (could probably say that in a better way, but eff it. Lol)! It gives more options when singing along so if you don't feel like going aggressive, you can still sing more melodically.

[@the12gage37]

This video on my feed makes me smile

[@chrisliepe]

I'm glad! :)

[@nope238]

thanks for one more good video 🤗

[@bslsk.o]

Ooh a talk with Matt video incoming? I think Matt would be up for that since he's also a big vocal 'nerd'.

[@gothboy9223]

Wonderful break down. I’d love to hear you dive into Corey Beaulieu’s vocals as well. I feel his and Matt’s trade offs compliment each it her so well but they also seem to polar opposite from each other.

[@mikeroch7813]

Yes I'm glad someone mentioned that, Corey's vocals go overlooked!

[@manuelaklein9837]

Matt is such a fantastic vocalist 🤘🏼🤘🏼👍🏼

[@andras.89]

18:53 I got "The Rev" vibe (making of AV7X - self titled album videos) :)

[@gusd.vazquez5658]

Chriiiiis! Do one about Matt Tuck!!n You're amazing!!!

[@mctwishvonnoodles9793]

I was hoping you would do In Waves, it's my favorite Trivium song! Your lessons are always so good you're one of the coolest KZbinrs

[@CLiMBiTdoiT]

Sleep Token: Vocal Analysis!! A proposal for a following episode: Sleep Token No idea what the singers name is but I think he's got a very special style and it would be interesting to hear you analyse it!

[@jamiegunn]

Great video on Matt Deafy's techniques. Great insight!!!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks Jamie!

[@jennimielty7302]

Could you do spencer charnas from ice nine kills? Would be more than happy if you did that 🙂

[@Ferniramirez_]

One of my favorite vocalist 🤘🏼

[@chrisliepe]

Mine too!

[@Ferniramirez_]

@@chrisliepe he can sing literally anything

[@collinputney2018]

I really wanna see a Neil Fallon breakdown. The power, the unbridled burliness. You know it can’t be recreated when Fallon’s doctors told him, “You can’t do that, you’re gonna die.” John Garcia from Kyuss would also be a good one, working with mixed voice with breakup.

[@progkibble]

Your videos are really helping me out. Been trying to get these sounds for years and finally seeing progress. Can I recommend Daniel Gildenlow (Pain of Salvation) and/or Russell Allen (Symphony X) as singers to analyse? You're great dude, keep doing this :D

[@SperNerk]

Would you ever consider reviewing heavier vocal styles such as chuck schuldiner from death? I would love more information on how he able to create the sound that he makes. Esspecially in songs such as “pull the plug” or spirit crusher “spirit crusher”.

[@scorchthesun]

YES!

[@SinApex]

This was recommended to me since I've been listening to Trivium lately and it's interesting because lately I've found I'm having trouble singing like I used to. I'm not a singer for any sort of career, I just like to do it for fun. Very specifically harsh vocals, because it's fun to scream along to different songs. But The way I was doing it probably wasn't the most healthy, and while I have been looking into a lot of information on how to do things in a more healthy way, I wasn't super concerned with preserving my vocals in the long run, since I'm not planning on performing in my life. Recently, though, I got really sick. I ended up coughing so hard I was coughing up blood and now that I've recovered I've found that the way I used to scream before getting sick is so much more painful, I can't do it for very long at all, so I'm having to entirely re-learn the process. It wasn't healthy before, but I could sustain it enough to get me through the songs I wanted to. Now, I can't even do that after getting sick, and I don't want to continue trying to do it the way I used to because it'll ultimately keep me from being able to for much longer and so I'm trying to learn a better technique overall that puts less strain on my voice so I can recover and not have to fight every urge to sing along in the car on the way to work (only when I can feel I've been pushing it too far and need a break). Videos like this are immensely helpful.

[@harryf7055]

Could you also do a video on the guitarist (Corey Beaulieu’s) screams?

[@theeye8376]

7:35 "yes" Love it 🤣

[@fabianschweitzer]

I think it’s about time to look at another female singer, what do you think?😎 Would love to hear and watch your take on Haley Williams of Paramore, particularly the song “Decode”. That track is just stuck with me. Love the way she sings the chorus, it’s so fragile yet so warming at the same time. Others have tried to cover it (e.g. from ashes to new, an interesting cover as it from a male singer). Looking forward to you “decoding” that track. That’s a dad joke for you right there 😁

[@khaospawn]

I second this. Been on a "Decode" trip myself. Weird lol

[@MrPeter924]

Good sounds singing song 👍

[@chrisliepe]

:)

[@yagzsumer299]

Mkh is my idol. Definetly a haii of famer in metal scene.

[@GabiBrooks]

Yessss!

[@chrisliepe]

Yay :)

[@yuvets_gr3005]

Hello Chris! Great job as always! Just a tiny question mark, regarding techniques in general. I've noticed you have a very unique approach to screaming in general, very different from what I use and see in particular. Observing your approach, I understand you are using your false chords to "mimic" Matt's sound. However to me, it makes more sense that he's actually using his fry screams, in a certain technique that allows him to smoothly transition from screaming to distorted singing, then to clean singing, and vice versa. When I'm singing Trivium, I also use my fry for the same effects, in both singing and screaming. In that way it is possible to create that ultra distorted scream, that "has a distinct note inside it". Ken Tamplin in a couple of videos explains how one can use "rasp" to create distortion and screams, and it reminds me a lot what I think thta Matt does. I would love to have your thoughts on this. Keep the awesome work!

[@Iamezekielallen]

Holy sh*t I am excited to watch this video. Matt Heavy has been a heavy influence on me vocally and lyrically. My solo project I Am Ezekiel has some of his influence, maybe you can stop by and give some critique. Love your videos man!

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks for watching and I'm glad you're looking forward to it! Enjoy!

[@mikeypettengill4642]

I can't seem to initiate vocal break-up for the life of me. Starting on a sustained pitch and trying to add grit, I just get goat vibrato or break into falsetto. The harder I try, the more I just sound like a rooster ringing in the new day 🤦‍♂️ Any specific vowel shapes or sounds that are good for getting more comfortable in that space?

[@chrisliepe]

Have you joined my free course linked in the video info?

[@den-dudin-rock]

It's a pity that he doesn't sing live the way he sings in studio. Because in studio he sings more correct and powerful, than live. It doesn't seem like too much safe technique, but rather week sounding. Love his pre TSATS live performances, btw.

[@-xlntc91x-]

I know exactly what you mean. Their songs lack power when he doesn't belt them as chesty as he used to. I think damaging your voice is a scary thing if you're making money by singing, so he was extra cautious after his injury. But I've seen videos of him warming up for recent shows and there he is singing with grit again, so he might be singing with more power again

[@nonesoherpetological8974]

It's the other way around. In the studio he uses the incorrect scream that ruined his voice. Live he uses a not-so-great sounding safe technique.

[@-xlntc91x-]

@@nonesoherpetological8974 I guess he wasn't referring to his screams but to his belting and gritty singing.

[@den-dudin-rock]

@@nonesoherpetological8974 but actually his studio screams are more safe and technically correct, than the ones he uses live

[@nonesoherpetological8974]

@@den-dudin-rock I don't know where you got this information. Matt has said himself that he uses the technique that blew out his voice in the studio, and the safe technique live.

[@DLT1992]

Hi Chris, I was wondering if you can do a video that can help those with a bass voice sing high, in the tenor range. I can hit a c5 but it sounds whiny and very thin. I've heard one bass singer on youtube able to hit that note and make it sound spectacular. I'm just curious to see if you have any advice for people like me. I speak generally in the lower octave of three and high end of 2. I really appreciate your work, thank you so much

[@chrisliepe]

Try these. ALL of these mindsets and techniques apply to bass voices as well as baritones! Don't let the typecast of your voice type limit the ways you practice. It's not necessary at all despite what you may have heard previously ! kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5bYfKOCgctsbNk kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnTQloqVg7yffqc kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZy1lZSOjt6YmKc Enjoy!

[@baltesers]

Please do how to sing like Keaton Pierce/Too Close To Touch (RIP)!

[@frankunodostres473]

I would really like to see you take a jab at will ramos from lorna shore. he put some one-take sing throughs on his channel and there are numerous different techniques he uses. one of the most unique unclean vocalists out there

[@poytrewtm7514]

Id love to see you cover Lynn Strait from snot

[@acrushtic]

nice bro

[@chrisliepe]

Thanks!

[@Sunsettingmusic]

Hey Chris! Is it possible to see a video on Dan Reynolds form Imagine Dragons in the future? His vocal range and power is just insane!

[@chrisliepe]

Great idea!

[@theAshesofDecember1]

I still have difficulty not actually losing my voice after this, even after warming up

[@chrisliepe]

You might be ready for this? www.mymusicalvoice.com/p/the-aggressive-vocalist-s-master-plan-of-attack

[@RobbieFitzgerald]

Awesome! Up until What the Dead Men Say, The Crusade was the best to me ( I know Im an outlier) but Dead Men is killer.

[@ilhanalavi6997]

Please do a video on Bush's Gavin Rossdale

[@sicinthemind]

Matt knows that method of screaming is unsafe because of the blowout and solely reserves it for "special" occasions and recording studio vocals. The safest way to approach his songs is fry scream.

[@PumaflosseGaming]

Hey Chris! In what Video do you talk about finding and moving your vocal break? I keep getting lost in all this great content xd Thanks for everything man

[@chrisliepe]

I talk about it and provide numerous exercises in this course: www.mymusicalvoice.com/p/the-aggressive-vocalist-s-master-plan-of-attack Let me know if you have any questions after looking that over!

[@PumaflosseGaming]

@@chrisliepe Thanks but im not sure if this works for me and im kinda scared to invest because atm i keep taking huge breaks from singing harsh vocals because i keep messing up my voice. I think i need someone to actually give me feedback because i really struggle learning this on my own. So isnt there a way to get something like this from you ? I know youre pretty popular and stuff but i really hope you can help me out with this while still beeing somewhat affordable xd. Greetings Niklas

[@chrisliepe]

@@PumaflosseGaming I offer private lessons as an additional option for anyone enrolled in one of my courses! It’s better this way because we are sure to be speaking the same language :)

[@davidball7111]

I wanna be like chris liepe, and have his biceps.

[@rafik.animation]

Matt Tuck please?🥲🤘🏻

[@nope238]

11:14for me that cracks gives more emotions.

[@loganstrickler]

3:15 well yeah, his name is Matt Beafy

[@alejandrosalazar3147]

23:50 haha wtf 😂❤

[@ughitstom]

yeh i jumped at this video

[@beehype46and2]

Comment for da algorithm Streak count: 197 3 leftttt

[@chrisliepe]

OHHHHHH

[@Sl1mfit]

In 2005 as a huge Trivium fan I discovered my screaming technique and it's exactly like Matt Heafy's but with "better" articulation. Since then I haven't been able to learn any other styles of scream. This technique is, to me, very unforgiving. Unforgiving in a way that if I don't practice weekly, I'll probably blow my vocal cords next time I scream. Although it's in my muscle memory.

[@Dudelee1]

I’m the same - self taught from copying matt heafy at the same time. I have the same issues - if i dont scream almost every day, it blows my voice the next time i do it

[@Sl1mfit]

@@Dudelee1 And the technique is way different than Chris showed here. It's not really even that loud. At least for me.

[@Dudelee1]

@@Sl1mfit yeah its different for me too, it’s more like some form of extreme compression or something i’m now really sure, i’d say mine is usually at about “medium” volume - a bit louder than talking but not as loud as singing

[@Sl1mfit]

@@Dudelee1 Yeah. Same as me. Not really that loud compared to Chris's screaming or false cord technique in general. With this technique I'm able to scream 19 words in a span of 7-8 seconds and scream at least 14 seconds straight since this technique compresses air flow so much. The amount of air that's coming out of my mouth is minimal. Only downside to this is that in live or in studio I have to have pretty high gain on the mic since there's not alot of air flow that mic can pick up.

[@Dudelee1]

@@Sl1mfit yeah sounds like we’re doing the same thing - do you also get headaches if you overdo it? Though that could just be me as i get it when i use a lot of compression for singing too

[@jesussondor88]

John Henry from Darkest Hour, please

[@themaggot8]

I'm extremely surprised that you still haven't analyzed Mikael Akerfeldt's vocals

[@russellspear6188]

Chris, did Matt Healy ever contact you to either confirm how you describe his technique or to "correct it" as you said you hoped might happen? I looked into it some, saw the Loudwire video you mentioned and he's apparently had his career saved by the same guy who save Tom Kiefer's career. Kiefer had a paralyzed vocal cord! The only guy that could help him is the guy that helped save Matt Heafy's career. His name is Ron Anderson. How is it that Anderson is seemingly in a league of his own as far as saving singers' careers? By the way, he's got Heafy singing 5 or 6 hours every day! Heafy says it's what he "needs" to maintain his voice but I've never heard of any such thing, have you?

[@chrisliepe]

He never did... I've heard amazing things about Ron... Would be fun to interview him too!

[@russellspear6188]

@@chrisliepe That would be really interesting to see you interview Ron. I don't know how or where he learned what he knows, but he has saved a lot of careers!

[@AshishPrinz]

Song names?

[@chrisliepe]

I say some of them in the video don't I? Maybe I'm thinking of a different video?

[@EemeLamsi]

Heart from your hate, in waves, strife, feast of fire, until the world goes cold, in the court of the dragon, like sword over damocles Not sure if I missed some song

[@hansolo423]

Your parents bought your studio

[@gregtheflyingwhale6480]

His voice doesn't sound good lately though

[@chrisliepe]

no?

[@hansolo423]

Bruh you just milking KZbin right now.

[@hansolo423]

You ain't nowhere close to matt

[@hansolo423]

You ain't know how to make music yourself

[@cynicald380]

Nice one Chris!

[@chrisliepe]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Rojomanzana438]

YES!

[@chrisliepe]

Enjoy!!