the singer in my band is looking for a microphone. He has the voice of a lot of melodic singers. Think Children of Bodom, In Flames, and stuff. Can anyone recomend a good microphone for him with effects, or is it all just part of the mixing process?

The classic SM57 perhaps?

Shure Beta 58 A, perhaps?
Effects and stuff is a part of the mixing process, I'd say...
If you have a rehearsal room, buy a small P.A. system with a power mixer and 2 speakers so he can hear himself when you guys are rehearsing