Fry Scream
A fry scream is an extended vocal technique popular in heavy metal and hardcore sub-genres. In more extreme sub-genres of metal, the death growl is typically employed more often. The sound of this technique can be different with each vocalist.
Terminology and Technique
Fry screams are also known as high pitched vocals, arytenoid screams, fry vocals, and depreciatively as "Pterodactyl Screeching". To be done safely, vocalists need to learn fundamental techniques found in classical/traditional singing such as compression and proper breath support.
There are many different schools of thought and ways to safely achieve a fry scream, but generally it is a scream where the vocal folds (also called true-folds or vocal cords) are "closed" (compressed) and the arytenoid cartilage (also called the arytenoids) is used for distortion. Typically used for relatively high pitched screams.
Variations
These are just three of the most common styles used by vocalists.
Variation One: Vocal Fry Scream
The most common style of fry screaming where the vocalist uses vocal fry to trigger the arytenoids. The downside to this variation is that it puts unnecessary strain on the vocal folds and causes them to phonate irregularly. This technique tends to sound very creaky. A notable vocalist who uses the vocal fry scream is Spencer Sotelo (Periphery).
Variation Two: "Proper" Fry Scream
A less common style of fry screaming where the vocalist performs a style of Tuvan throat singing called khöömei ("хөөмей" in the Tuvan language), then projects the sound upwards to trigger the arytenoids. When done properly, you do not create any unnecessary strain on the vocal folds, and the sound can be much more refined. Unlike the vocal fry scream, this style of fry screaming is not limited to high or mid screams, and is much easier to add pitch to. A notable vocalist who uses the "proper" fry scream is Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel), although it is disputed if he uses the "proper" fry scream, false-cord scream, or death growl for his signature low, guttural scream.
Variation Three: Glottal Compression "Fry" Scream
A fairly dangerous style of screaming where you pinch/squeeze at the glottis (true-folds) while pushing out air to trigger the false-folds. Thankfully, only a handful of popular vocalists actually use this technique, as it can cause severe damage, especially if you aren't very experienced with vocal distortion. The tonal quality sounds like one is in excruciating pain, and it distresses the vocal folds more than necessary. A vocalist who uses this technique is Joe Duplantier (Gojira).
Not to be confused with the compression "fry" scream, which uses diaphragmatic compression to trigger the false-folds. It sounds very similar, but will not distress your vocal folds nearly as much.
There is also a safer variation of the glottal compression "fry" scream where you belt with twang and diaphragmatic compression to activate the false-folds, then adding breathiness.
Variation Four: Pitched/Melodic/Hybrid Fry Scream
The pitched fry scream, also called the melodic fry scream or hybrid fry scream, is a scream where the vocalist's voice is still present in the scream, but the distortion from the arytenoids still outweighs it. This will sound more like a hard rock vocalist. A popular employer of the pitched fry scream is Sam Carter (Architects) when he becomes fatigued mid-concert.
[Audio Example (EVI, personal audio example needed)]
References
This article "Fry Scream" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Fry Scream. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.
