Lost my scream?

Question

So, just about 2 weeks ago... I finally learned how to do a high metal scream, and it was amazing. It just sorta clicked with me one day, and I could do it. I could do it at will, didn't use a lot of air, didn't hurt my throat. I'm pretty sure I was using my secondary chords, and all was well. Could do it for hours with no pain, loss of range, or difficulty. About a week ago, I came down with walking pneumonia and I was kinda out of commission in the singing world until today. I got my treatment and I'm all better, but now that I've tried screaming again, it's like I forgot how. It's not as powerful as full sounding, and I'm hurting my throat. Apparently screaming isn't like riding a bike. Any ideas why I can't do it anymore, will it be easy to learn again?

Answer 1

It may not hurt you NOW, but after years it will. The reason why you lost it so easily is because your voice is not meant to function that way. If you could look inside your body and view how that type of screaming places damage on your vocal chords, you would change your focus. If it is something you can't naturally do, you will easily loose it in a week or two. Please be careful. Take care of your instrument. You only have one. I can tell you of the countless people who go to ENT's and voice teachers trying to reverse permanent damage from improper singing. Once you have permanent damage, you can't get it back.

There is a way to develop a sound that resembles a scream. A decent voice teacher can teach you that trick. I do it for certain pieces. You still use proper breathing, but you change the shape of your mouth to provide a scream sound. Take care of yourself and your voice. Use wisdom when pursuing musical genres. You can still sing metal and use good technique at the same time. That way, you can have a longer career or shot at singing.