Underground Legends: The Early Days of Famous Metal Vocalists
Introduction
While it may seem that some metal bands achieve overnight success, many artists spend years, even decades, honing their craft in the underground scene before breaking into the mainstream. This article explores a selection of obscure bands that featured soon-to-be-famous vocalists, showcasing their humble beginnings before they became legends in the metal genre.
1. Sleze: Layne Staley’s Glam Metal Roots
Before Layne Staley became a defining voice of grunge and helped to dismantle the hair metal scene, he was the frontman for Sleze. Formed by students from Shorewood High in Washington in the mid-1980s, Sleze made a memorable appearance in the low-budget film Father Rock, performing in full glam attire. You can still find this slice of history on YouTube, showcasing Staley’s early stage presence.
2. Repugnant: From Death Metal Dreams to Ghostly Success
Repugnant had aspirations of becoming the next Sepultura by signing with Roadrunner Records and creating old-school death metal. However, frontman “Mary Goore” took an unexpected turn, transitioning to the theatrical role of a demonic Pope in the band Ghost. Despite this shift, Repugnant’s sole full-length album, Epitome of Darkness, remains a significant contribution to the death metal genre.
3. Enemy Soil: The Grindcore Pioneers
In the 1990s, Enemy Soil emerged as a notable force in the crust grind scene. Featuring Richard Johnson of Agoraphobic Nosebleed and J.R. Hayes of Pig Destroyer, their 1997 album Ruins of Eden showcases the raw energy of grindcore, with Johnson’s vocals dominating the studio tracks and Hayes delivering fierce screams on the live recordings.
4. Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty: Maynard James Keenan’s Formative Years
Before the formation of Tool, Maynard James Keenan was the flamboyant frontman for Children of the Anachronistic Dynasty (C.A.D.). Based in Michigan, C.A.D. blended various alternative styles, and their track “Burn About Out” has a haunting resemblance to what would later evolve into Tool’s iconic “Sober.”
5. Adventures: A Shift from Hardcore to Indie Rock
Adventures, an offshoot of Code Orange, ventured into indie rock territory, showcasing a softer side of its members. Their track “Heavenly” presents a poignant contrast to the band’s hardcore roots, prompting speculation about whether Reba Meyers could have become the PJ Harvey of the hardcore scene.
6. Samson: Bruce Dickinson’s Pre-Iron Maiden Days
Many fans are aware that Bruce Dickinson sang for Samson before joining the legendary Iron Maiden. However, few have seen the infamous Biceps of Steel VHS, which captures the band’s humorous antics. Dickinson’s powerful voice was evident even in this early phase, particularly in the pre-chorus of “Vice Versa.”
7. Four Hour Fogger: The Early Days of Mastodon
Before they became a progressive metal powerhouse, Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders were part of a raw and chaotic band called Four Hour Fogger. While the band’s instrumental prowess outshone the vocal efforts, their early work laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the monumental sound of Mastodon.
8. Satan’s Warriors: Seth Putnam’s Humorous Beginnings
Before gaining notoriety as the controversial frontman of Anal Cunt, Seth Putnam was part of the intentionally silly band Satan’s Warriors. Known for its outrageous themes, Putnam’s antics included squealing like a deranged monkey, as demonstrated in their song “Jesus Has a 1-Inch Penis With a Mole on the Side.”
9. Ronnie James Dio: A Journey from Doo-Wop to Heavy Metal
Before he became synonymous with heavy metal, Ronnie James Dio sang in a classic vocal group that showcased his extraordinary talent. Had Dio been born a few years earlier, he might have found himself alongside legends like Paul Anka or Frankie Valli. His early work, such as “An Angel Is Missing,” reveals a different side of the iconic vocalist.
Conclusion
The path to success in the metal genre is often paved with years of hard work and dedication in the underground scene. These artists, who started in obscure bands, played vital roles in shaping the metal landscape we know today. Their journeys remind us that every great band has its roots, and the legends of metal often emerge from unexpected places.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of underground bands in the metal scene?
A: Underground bands often serve as the training ground for future stars, allowing musicians to develop their skills and unique styles before achieving mainstream success.
Q: Are there any other famous metal vocalists with similar backgrounds?
A: Yes, many renowned metal vocalists have roots in lesser-known bands, and their early work often influences their later, more successful projects.
Q: How can I discover more underground metal bands?
A: Exploring music streaming services, attending local shows, and following metal blogs can help you uncover hidden gems in the underground metal scene.
