As the frontman for Type O Negative, Steele was known for his vampiric effect,[7][8] towering stature,[9] rich bass-baritone vocals,[5][10][11][12][13] and a dark, often self-deprecating sense of humor.[14][15] His lyrics were often intensely personal, dealing with subjects including love, loss, and addiction.[14] Steele credited Black Sabbath and The Beatles as his key musical inspirations.[5]