Chris doesn't sing Heavy Metal, it's called alternative rock :-)
Whatever. Honestly, I wouldn't call it alternative. That term is overused and no longer even appropriate most of the time. Back when alternative music came on the scene, it really WAS alternative - it was totally different and played primarily on college stations - you would never hear it on the big radio stations. Today, the stuff is pretty common so, thus, the term, alternative, is no longer applicable.
My point is that his heavier rock emphasis probably didn't help him in the long run. I wish him the best though.