Introduction
Get to know Justin Laureano
Meet Justin, producer, mixing engineer, and multi-instrumentalist. In collaboration with Ablaze Audio, this course breaks down modern metal vocal production using the Screamer plugin as a practical tool throughout. You will learn how to take raw vocal recordings and turn them into powerful, polished, mix-ready performances. If you are ready to level up your vocal production and understand what actually makes heavy vocals hit, this is the place to start.
The Verse
Building impact
In this video, we focus on building a powerful and controlled verse performance through tight layering and intentional dynamics. The screams were re-tracked multiple times to create natural width and size while still feeling real and cohesive. The key is precision. Every breath, consonant, and phrase across the stacked takes is locked so it feels like one massive performance rather than obvious layering. Dynamics play a huge role here. Not every line is pushed to the same intensity. Lower vocals and more aggressive moments are used selectively on key words to create contrast and movement. Subtle delay and reverb throws are automated on specific phrases and endings to add space and energy without washing out the performance. These small production decisions keep the verse engaging, impactful, and glued together in the mix.
The Chorus
Creating commitment
In this video, we focus on building impact and width in the chorus while maintaining control. The vocals are triple tracked to preserve size and confidence when the biggest section of the song hits. Strategic pullbacks before key lines create contrast, making the final commitment feel more powerful when it lands. Performance plays a major role here. Multiple takes were explored to find the right emotional delivery, balancing clarity and aggression before committing fully. Certain moments, like softer vowel shapes, were intentional choices to maintain stamina and control through the line. The key takeaway is that some impact cannot be created in post. You cannot tune or automate your way into conviction. That energy has to be captured during tracking.
The Breakdown
Controlled chaos
In this video, we focus on creating intensity and impact in a breakdown through layering, precision, and controlled chaos. The vocals are tightly doubled and strategically placed across the stereo field to make certain words hit harder without overcrowding the section. Rather than stacking endlessly, layers are used intentionally to add width and emphasis while keeping clarity. Callouts are arranged with deliberate placement, including centered leads and wider supporting layers, to create size without losing focus. Reverse reverb and transitional effects help build anticipation into key moments, making each line feel like it belongs inside the song rather than sitting on top of it. The goal is to keep everything aggressive, tight, and cohesive so the breakdown feels relentless but still controlled.
Conclusion
The next steps
In this final section, we reinforce the core philosophy behind vocal production. There is no single correct approach. The goal is to make decisions that serve the song. Knowing when to pull back, when to push, and when to keep things simple is what creates impact. Performance comes first. If the take feels strong at the source, everything else becomes easier. Layering, FX, distortion, and dynamics are tools meant to support that performance, not replace it. Trust your ears, commit to your choices, and focus on capturing conviction during tracking. That is what ultimately makes vocals hit.
