In a recent interview, Type O Negative drummer Johnny Kelly stated that if there was ever a Peter Steele tribute event (which there very certainly will not be), he would prefer a woman to front the band. Kelly said that having a guy lead the band would result in “a bunch of dudes up there just trying to sound like Peter,” whereas having a woman on the mic would “really stress the point of doing something as a tribute instead of trying to recreate something.”
So, who would be a good choice to pay tribute to the late and legendary Type O Negative bassist and vocalist? Well, here are some fantastic options.
Chelsea Wolfe
Chelsea Wolfe’s vocals have a drifting, almost ethereal air that works well with Type O Negative’s ghostly music. Not to mention Wolfe has already demonstrated her ability to pull off a Peter Steele look beautifully.
Dorthia Cottrell
Dorthia Cottrell (Windhand) is still one of doom’s most underestimated vocalists. Cottrell’s voice like that of a formless monster mumbling incantations just beyond sight. Her laid-back delivery would be ideal for Type O Negative’s slower songs.
Camille Gilbert
Cammie Gilbert (Oceans Of Slumber) should be on every metal fan’s mind at all times when it comes to great vocals. Gilbert has a smooth-as-hell voice, a remarkable range, and the ability to properly customize her performance to every musical environment.
Sara Bianchin
Sara Bianchin (Messa, Bottomless) would be an intriguing addition to Type O Negative, if only for her utilization of higher-register stacking of harmonies. Given Bianchin’s propensity to dominate the heavier passages of Messa, I believe she’d kill it with Type O Negative.
Kristine Esfandiari
Kristina Esfandiari (King Woman, Miserable, Dalmatian, etc.) has projects ranging from crushing doom to more shoegaze-style material, all of which involve nothing short of outstanding performances. Plus, with Esfandiari’s range, her interpretation of Steele’s words would almost certainly win out.
Mercedes Lander
Mercedes Lander has shown a wide range of talent throughout the years, from her work as a backup vocalist in Kittie to her lead part in The White Swan. Plus, Lander’s voice has a sinister, almost seductive sound that heightens the gloom aspect of Type O Negative.
Jessica Ball
Jessica Ball (MWWB) sounds like she’s constantly coming from everywhere. The speakers, the walls, and the inside of your own thoughts all project outward. Ball would provide a multi-layer spectral quality to Type O Negative, which would be quite cool.
Kayla Dixon
Kayla Dixon (Witch Mountain, Dress the Dead) totally nails it. Her work with Witch Mountain is incredibly diverse, with tons of interesting harmonies, and her interpretations of songs like Soundgarden’s “Blow Up The Outside World” are nothing short of stunning.
Jasmine Saarela
Jasmin Saarela (Jess And The Ancient Ones) has a very “old school classic rock” tone to her voice that would be a great fit for Type O Negative. Saarela’s delivery is sharp and gloomy, but it’s also quite forceful, with vibrato in all the perfect spots.