Tyler Wynn
Bring Me the Horizon (BMTH) has carved out a unique sound that blends metalcore, alternative rock, and electronic elements, creating a dynamic and emotional musical experience. To sound like BMTH, focus on combining aggressive, distorted guitar riffs with melodic, often clean vocal passages, and incorporate electronic beats and synth layers to add depth and modernity. Oli Sykes’ versatile vocal style, ranging from guttural screams to smooth, emotive singing, is a cornerstone of their sound, so practicing both techniques is essential. Additionally, pay attention to their lyrical themes, which often explore personal struggles, existential questions, and societal critiques, delivered with raw honesty and intensity. Experimenting with production techniques, such as heavy reverb and layered instrumentation, will help capture the band’s signature atmospheric and anthemic quality.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vocal Style | Mix of clean, melodic vocals and aggressive screams/growls. |
| Guitar Tone | Heavy, distorted, often with drop tunings (e.g., Drop C, Drop B). |
| Riffs | Chunky, rhythmic, and groove-oriented, often with syncopation. |
| Drumming | Fast, aggressive blast beats combined with groovy, danceable rhythms. |
| Song Structure | Versatile, blending heavy sections with melodic, atmospheric breakdowns. |
| Lyrics | Emotionally charged, often dealing with personal struggles and hope. |
| Production | Polished, with a balance between raw energy and clarity. |
| Synth/Electronics | Prominent use of synths, pads, and electronic elements for atmosphere. |
| Tempo | Varies widely, from slow, moody sections to fast, intense passages. |
| Influences | Metalcore, alternative rock, electronic, and pop sensibilities. |
| Live Performance | High-energy, with dynamic stage presence and audience interaction. |
| Visual Aesthetic | Dark, moody, often with thematic music videos and album art. |
| Key Albums for Reference | Sempiternal, That's the Spirit, amo (for evolving sound). |
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What You'll Learn
- Vocal Techniques: Master Oli Sykes' harsh and clean vocals, focusing on pitch, power, and emotion
- Guitar Tone: Achieve BMTH's signature blend of heavy distortion and melodic clarity
- Drumming Style: Emulate fast, aggressive beats with precise double bass and fills
- Song Structure: Combine heavy verses, melodic choruses, and dynamic breakdowns
- Lyrics & Themes: Write introspective, emotional, and often dark, relatable lyrics
Vocal Techniques: Master Oli Sykes' harsh and clean vocals, focusing on pitch, power, and emotion
Oli Sykes' vocal range is a cornerstone of Bring Me the Horizon's signature sound, blending raw aggression with melodic vulnerability. To emulate his style, start by understanding the dichotomy between his harsh and clean vocals. Harsh vocals, often associated with metalcore, require controlled strain and proper technique to avoid damage. Clean vocals, on the other hand, demand precision in pitch and emotional delivery. Both styles hinge on power, but the way that power is channeled differs dramatically.
Step 1: Mastering Harsh Vocals
Begin by engaging your diaphragm for sustained power. Sykes' harsh vocals are not just about shouting; they’re about maintaining a consistent, gritty tone. Practice growling on a single note, gradually increasing volume without straining your throat. Use the "fry" technique, where the vocal cords vibrate irregularly, creating a raspy texture. Start with short phrases from BMTH songs like *“Throne”* or *“Can You Feel My Heart”* to build endurance. Caution: Overdoing this without proper warm-ups can lead to vocal fatigue. Limit practice sessions to 20–30 minutes daily, and always hydrate.
Step 2: Perfecting Clean Vocals
Sykes' clean vocals are characterized by their emotional depth and pitch accuracy. Focus on breath control and vowel shaping to achieve clarity. Practice scales to strengthen your range, paying attention to transitions between chest and head voice. Songs like *“Drown”* or *“Follow You”* showcase his ability to convey emotion through subtle inflections. Record yourself to identify areas for improvement, such as pitch inconsistencies or lack of resonance. Pro tip: Hum before singing to loosen your vocal cords and improve tone.
Emotion as the Unifying Factor
What sets Sykes apart is his ability to infuse both harsh and clean vocals with raw emotion. Whether it’s anger, despair, or hope, the key is to connect with the lyrics on a personal level. Visualize the story behind the song and let that drive your delivery. For instance, in *“Sleepwalking,”* the contrast between the aggressive verses and the soaring chorus mirrors the song’s themes of struggle and release. Practice this emotional duality by alternating between harsh and clean sections within a single track.
The Takeaway
Mastering Oli Sykes' vocal techniques requires patience, practice, and a deep understanding of your own voice. Focus on pitch control, power management, and emotional authenticity. Avoid mimicking his tone exactly; instead, use his techniques as a foundation to develop your unique style. Regularly incorporate vocal exercises, stay hydrated, and listen critically to BMTH’s discography for inspiration. With dedication, you’ll not only sound like BMTH but also bring your own voice to the forefront.
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Guitar Tone: Achieve BMTH's signature blend of heavy distortion and melodic clarity
Bring Me the Horizon's guitar tone is a masterclass in contrast, blending face-melting distortion with shimmering melodic clarity. This duality is achieved through a careful balance of gain staging, pedal selection, and amp settings.
The Foundation: Amp Choice & Settings
Start with a high-gain amplifier capable of delivering tight, aggressive distortion. Mesa Boogie’s Dual Rectifier or a Peavey 6505 are popular choices, mirroring BMTH’s preference for amps that can handle both rhythm brutality and lead articulation. Dial in a mid-heavy EQ to cut through the mix, but avoid excessive bass to prevent muddiness. A presence setting around 4-5 sharpens the attack without introducing harshness. For the clean tones that often underpin their melodic passages, a separate amp or channel with a bright, chimey voicing is essential.
Pedal Precision: Sculpting the Signal Chain
BMTH’s tone relies on a blend of distortion and modulation. A boost pedal (like an EHX LPB-1) placed before the amp drives the signal harder for rhythm parts, while a transparent overdrive (such as the Klon Centaur or its clones) adds sustain and definition for leads. A noise gate is non-negotiable to tame the high-gain hiss—set the threshold just below the noise floor to preserve dynamics. For melodic clarity, a light chorus or reverb (think Strymon BlueSky) adds depth without overwhelming the distortion.
The Secret Sauce: Layering & Double Tracking
Achieving BMTH’s signature clarity within distortion often involves layering. Double-track your rhythm guitars, panning them hard left and right, to create a wide stereo image. For leads, layer a clean or lightly overdriven take beneath the distorted melody to enhance definition. This technique, combined with precise muting and palm muting, ensures each note remains distinct even in the heaviest passages.
Practical Tips for Consistency
Consistency is key. Use a tuner with a mute function (like the TC Electronic Polytune) to avoid tuning mishaps during live takes. Keep your guitar’s action low to facilitate fast riffing and intricate melodies. Experiment with string gauges—a lighter set (9s or 10s) can make complex passages more playable while maintaining tension.
By combining aggressive amp settings, a thoughtfully curated pedalboard, and strategic layering, you can replicate BMTH’s ability to balance raw power with melodic precision. It’s not just about cranking the gain—it’s about sculpting a tone that sings as much as it screams.
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Drumming Style: Emulate fast, aggressive beats with precise double bass and fills
To capture the essence of Bring Me The Horizon's (BMTH) drumming style, start by dissecting the core elements: speed, aggression, and precision. Matt Nicholls, BMTH’s drummer, is renowned for his ability to blend relentless double bass work with intricate fills, creating a chaotic yet controlled backbone for the band’s sound. Emulating this style requires more than raw speed; it demands deliberate practice and a strategic approach to technique. Begin by isolating double bass patterns at moderate tempos, focusing on evenness and power. Gradually increase speed while maintaining precision, ensuring each hit is as crisp as the last. This foundational step is non-negotiable—without it, the aggression BMTH embodies will fall flat.
Next, integrate fills that complement the fast-paced foundation. BMTH’s drumming often features fills that are both explosive and purposeful, avoiding overcomplexity for the sake of showmanship. Study Nicholls’ fills in tracks like *“Throne”* or *“Can You Feel My Heart”* to identify recurring motifs: snare-heavy bursts, tom runs that mirror vocal phrasing, and cymbal accents that punctuate transitions. Practice these fills in isolation, then layer them into your double bass patterns. The goal is to create a seamless blend where fills enhance, not disrupt, the groove. Remember, every fill should serve the song, not your ego.
A common pitfall when emulating BMTH’s style is sacrificing control for speed. To avoid this, incorporate endurance exercises into your practice routine. Start with 10-minute double bass sessions at 160 BPM, focusing on maintaining power and precision throughout. Gradually increase duration and tempo, but only when consistency is achieved. Additionally, use a metronome to ensure your timing remains rock-solid, even during the most frenetic passages. This disciplined approach will not only replicate BMTH’s sound but also build the stamina required to sustain it live.
Finally, consider the role of dynamics in BMTH’s drumming. While aggression is paramount, Nicholls often employs subtle dynamic shifts to add depth and contrast. Experiment with softer ghost notes or momentarily easing off the double bass to create tension before unleashing full force. This nuanced approach elevates the music from mere noise to a calculated sonic assault. Pair this with a keen ear for production—BMTH’s drum sound is tight and punchy, so adjust your tuning and mic placement to achieve a similar clarity. By balancing raw power with finesse, you’ll not only sound like BMTH but also understand the artistry behind their chaos.
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Song Structure: Combine heavy verses, melodic choruses, and dynamic breakdowns
Bring Me The Horizon's (BMTH) signature sound thrives on contrast. Their songs aren't monolithic walls of aggression; they're carefully constructed journeys that weave brutality with beauty. This is achieved through a masterful manipulation of song structure, a blueprint that hinges on the interplay of heavy verses, melodic choruses, and dynamic breakdowns.
Imagine a rollercoaster: the verse is the slow climb, building tension with distorted guitars, pounding drums, and Oli Sykes' guttural vocals. Think of the verse as the setup, the moment where the band establishes the song's raw, unfiltered energy. "Throne" exemplifies this perfectly, with its chugging riffs and Sykes' snarled delivery setting the stage for...
The chorus, the apex of the ride. Here, the melody takes center stage. Clean vocals soar, often layered with harmonies, creating a sense of release and catharsis. The instrumentation opens up, allowing space for the melody to breathe. "Drown" showcases this beautifully, with its anthemic chorus providing a stark contrast to the verse's intensity. This juxtaposition is key to BMTH's appeal – it keeps the listener engaged, constantly shifting their emotional landscape.
But BMTH doesn't stop there. They introduce another element: the breakdown. This is the moment of pure, unadulterated chaos. The tempo often slows, the guitars become sludgier, and the drums pummel with relentless force. Sykes' vocals transform into primal screams, channeling raw emotion. The breakdown in "Happy Song" is a prime example, a sonic maelstrom that punctuates the song with unrelenting ferocity.
This structure – heavy verse, melodic chorus, dynamic breakdown – isn't just a formula; it's a narrative device. It allows BMTH to tell stories, to convey complex emotions, and to take the listener on a journey. The verse sets the scene, the chorus provides the emotional core, and the breakdown serves as the climax, the moment of truth.
To emulate this structure, focus on creating distinct sections with clear contrasts. Don't be afraid to experiment with tempo changes, vocal styles, and instrumentation. Remember, the key is to keep the listener engaged, to constantly surprise and delight them with unexpected twists and turns. By mastering this dynamic song structure, you can capture the essence of BMTH's sound and create music that is both heavy and hauntingly beautiful.
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Lyrics & Themes: Write introspective, emotional, and often dark, relatable lyrics
Bring Me the Horizon's lyrical prowess lies in their ability to weave raw, unfiltered emotion into their music. Their lyrics serve as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of the human experience, particularly the darker, more introspective corners of our minds. This emotional vulnerability is a cornerstone of their sound, resonating deeply with listeners who find solace in shared struggles.
To capture this essence, delve into your own emotional landscape. Identify the fears, anxieties, and insecurities that lurk beneath the surface. Don't shy away from the uncomfortable; embrace the raw, unpolished truth. Think of your lyrics as a diary entry, a confession whispered in the dead of night.
Consider the power of metaphor and symbolism. Instead of bluntly stating "I'm depressed," paint a picture: "Shadows cling to my skin, a weight heavier than sin." This approach adds depth and allows listeners to project their own experiences onto your words. Draw inspiration from literature, poetry, and even visual art to craft imagery that lingers long after the song ends.
Remember, relatability is key. While your experiences are unique, the underlying emotions are universal. Tap into the shared human condition – the struggle for acceptance, the fear of failure, the longing for connection. By expressing these universal truths through your own lens, you create lyrics that resonate on a deeply personal level.
Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with structure and delivery. Play with rhythm and cadence to emphasize certain words or phrases. Incorporate spoken word passages or whispered confessions for added intimacy. The goal is to create a lyrical landscape that is both sonically engaging and emotionally devastating.
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Frequently asked questions
Focus on a mix of clean, melodic singing and aggressive screaming. Practice vocal fry for lower, gritty tones, and work on falsetto for higher, emotional passages. Incorporate growls and screams for heavier sections, ensuring proper breath control to avoid strain.
Channel raw emotion into your delivery, whether singing or screaming. Pay attention to lyrics and their meaning, and let your voice reflect the mood of the song. Practice dynamic shifts, from soft and vulnerable to powerful and aggressive, to capture their signature contrast.
Use reverb, delay, and chorus effects to add depth and texture to your voice. A touch of distortion or overdrive can enhance screams. Experiment with layering vocals for a fuller sound, and consider using a vocal tuner for a polished, modern edge.
Songwriting is crucial. BMTH blends heavy riffs with catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Focus on creating dynamic structures, combining aggressive verses with anthemic choruses. Incorporate electronic elements and atmospheric layers for a contemporary feel.
It depends on your preference. Early BMTH (e.g., *Count Your Blessings*) is more raw and metalcore-focused, while later albums (e.g., *That’s The Spirit*, *amo*) lean into alternative rock and pop influences. Study the era that resonates most with you and adapt its elements to your style.
![Bring Me Home - Live 2011 [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61hfAyUeGQL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
