Best Metal Voice?

[That Guy]

Simple question.. right? With "metal" making its way into the mainstream lets see what you think. Who's got the best range, growls, and pipes in your opinion? Please explain.

[LM201]

Phil Anselmo

2202020

[razorx]

Phil Anselmo

2202020

Him and the guy from shadows fall. i forget his name........Cory from slipknot is O.K. sometimes.

[MykeyInChains]

Randy Blythe of Lamb of God

Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad

Joe Duplantier of Gojira

and my personal favorite, Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth

[Construct]

Devin Townsend of S.Y.L.

Piotr of Vader

Lamb Of God? Honkie please.

[razorx]

Lamb Of God? Honkie please.

Agreed. Can't understand a word.

[burnthehero]

Growls???

Are we talking about music here?

[razorx]

It's music to my ears.

[m1ck]

Been listening to metal for over 25 years.

Can't answer your question.

[spides666]

Exactly what I was going to say

Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth

[Big_Philly]

David Draiman from Disturbed.

[tbmills]

no has said james hetfield of metallica...

he has the best metal growl in my opinion. you can understand what he is saying.
and his evil laughter in "the thing that should not be" still creeps me out...

[darknessdude16]

David Draiman from Disturbed.

Amen to that my friend!

I saw Disturbed last Friday night and they blew me away

Adam

[frank0072]

I only know christian metal, and then I would have to say Pilgrim from Crimson Moonlight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=864Ut1dE3EM (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=864Ut1dE3EM)

[metal overlord]

I love every metal vocalist in differant ways.

My personal opinion, though, would be tough. I mean, I love Jaymz, the dude from Venom... I just couln't choose.

[metal overlord]

Growls???

Are we talking about music here?

Metal IS music. Growling is like Cannibal Corpse, death metal type vocals.

Oh, and I like Shagrath from Dimmu Borgir, can't understand a word but I like him.

[Construct]

Agreed. Can't understand a word.

Not even that. It's just so terrible. Divine Heresy's vocalist (the original one) is better than that!

[metal overlord]

Not even that. It's just so terrible. Divine Heresy's vocalist (the original one) is better than that!

I liked Tommy Vexx. Maybe if you give some time, you'll grow into it. I used to laugh at Nergal (ooo I forgot Him!!) from Behemoth, but now I'm a huge Behemoth fan. It takes time to grow into a vocal style like that, but once you do, you'll enjoy it.

The music, either way, growling or not, is normally pretty awesome anyway!

[LM201]

I liked Tommy Vexx. Maybe if you give some time, you'll grow into it. I used to laugh at Nergal (ooo I forgot Him!!) from Behemoth, but now I'm a huge Behemoth fan. It takes time to grow into a vocal style like that, but once you do, you'll enjoy it.

The music, either way, growling or not, is normally pretty awesome anyway!

True dat. I used to hate death metal because of the screaming but now I love it

[metal overlord]

Oh, lets not forget Matt Heafy!

[Khaine88]

the original singer from scar symmetry, he was soo good when he left they needed 2 singers to replace him

[Jalli]

My opinion:

Randy from Lamb of God.. ridicolous screaming and growling skills
Anders Fridén from In Flames.. many may disagree with me, but I love his voice :)

[m1ck]

It just seems so contradictory to me... a Christian metal band. ...

You are not the first to make this observation. However, there was a big wave of Christian rock and metal bands in the 80s.

Odd, that this thread would take such a turn, since we're talking about "best metal voice" -

One of the most impressive metal singers I have ever heard was Dale Thompson of the Christian rock band Bride. I saw them in the late 80s somewhere in Southern California. The band was pretty good. The singer was phenomenal. Before they drew open the curtain, Dale sang the Star Spangled Banner a cappella. That moment remains fixed in my memory as the single most stunning demonstration of vocal virtuosity that I have ever heard. His voice was high and intensely powerful in the old-school, operatic metal style. He could hold onto a note at full power for longer than anyone I've ever heard.

A friend of mine at the time made me a tape (yes a cassette tape) of one their early albums; that was all I ever heard of them. The Wikipedia article on them says they're still around but have been all over the place with their sound; I don't have a clue what they're doing today or how Dale sounds.

Regardless, obscure as he may be, I'd throw his name in the hat as one of the best metal voices ever.

[Mats]

Serj Tankian
[System Of A Down]

I don't really like bands like In Flames or something.

Serj Tankian has the best ... half-metal voice, because he connects shredding guitars, crushing drums with a calm voice and melodies played with closed eyes. Great!

[MaDaBe]

"Speed" Strid of Soilwork.

[Ian Williams]

Hello, fellows.

Rob Halford - Judas Priest.
Ian Astbury - The Cult. (not metal).
Phil Anselmo - Pantera.

Cheers,

[metal overlord]

Bruce Dickinson & Dio

[lewisn27]

Jens Kidman from Meshuggah, why? I think you already know.

[m1ck]

Oldschool:
Ozzy
Dio
Geoff Tate (Queensryche)

Newer:
Serj (System of a Down)
David Draiman (Disturbed)
Sully (Godsmack)

Honorable Mention:
Axl Rose (If you consider G&R metal)


But really, "best [whatever]" questions are impossible to answer.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Devin Townsend (SYL)
Dallas (Nile)
Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) (I know you can't understand him, but that's not what I'm interested in, he sounds so good with the music)

My real favorite:
Cam Pipes (3 Inches of Blood) Falsetto was going out of style, but since I can sing this style I love it, and I really like everything about their music. Killer stuff.


On another note:
Christian black metal has and is still being done. Search "Unblack Metal" on wikipedia.

Since when is Christian Metal a contradiction? Not that I am a christian but I see no issue there.

[Budiesel]

Mr. Maynard James Keenan from some band called Tool.. :-)

[blink44]

i also cant understand what they are saying most of the time.

[rjsteinbach]

Jens Kidman from Meshuggah, why? I think you already know.
And is metal coming back into the mainstream?... no good metal is.

[m1ck]

My real favorite:
Cam Pipes (3 Inches of Blood) ...

Aye, seconded. Great band, awesome metal voice. Definitely a throw-back in style, but he pulls it off. I don't know how he can sing like that without blowing vital organs out of his mouth. The back-up singer has a helluva scream, too. This band grabbed me the very first time I heard them.

I love a good growler as much as the next guy, but I kinda think it's been overdone at this point. There's too many out there. I welcome the return of the soaring screecher that can carry a melody.

[m1ck]

Mr. Maynard James Keenan from some band called Tool.. :-)

Oddly enough, I don't think of Maynard's voice as "metal" at all.

[LM201]

Oddly enough, I don't think of Maynard's voice as "metal" at all.

Yeah, I don't consider TOOL to be metal either.

[Mr. Pasquini]

Aye, seconded. Great band, awesome metal voice. Definitely a throw-back in style, but he pulls it off. I don't know how he can sing like that without blowing vital organs out of his mouth. The back-up singer has a helluva scream, too. This band grabbed me the very first time I heard them.

I love a good growler as much as the next guy, but I kinda think it's been overdone at this point. There's too many out there. I welcome the return of the soaring screecher that can carry a melody.

The whole falsetto style is acquired I guess, I've been able to do it my whole life and I have a pretty low speaking voice (As does Cam). The screamer actually blew his voice out and has been MIA for the past 2 years, expected to return early in 2009. I've seen them live twice and both times one of the guitarists was doing all of the screaming parts; it was definitely still astounding to see them live.

[Mr. Pasquini]

look at the lyrics,ora, and phsyical apperance of a band like cannibal corpse...then look at a christian metal band. polar opposites.

Technically Cannibal Corpse has nothing to do with religion and are "unnafiliated". You're looking for bands more like Dimmu Borgir, Gorgoroth, and Akercocke.

[Jalli]

Yeah, I don't consider TOOL to be metal either.

Well, they consider themselves as Progressive Metal.

[LM201]

Well, they consider themselves as Progressive Metal.

As do I.

They're not solely metal

[lewisn27]

And is metal coming back into the mainstream?... no good metal is.

it's a shame that, a shame.
but i agree with you

[rjsteinbach]

the new gojira album is good.

[Construct]

The music, either way, growling or not, is normally pretty awesome anyway!

True. I still practice to the DH cd. Divine Heresy is pretty crushing my mind. Too bad Dino has such an enormous ego, else Tommy might still be with them.

[volume_3]

Amen to that my friend!

I saw Disturbed last Friday night and they blew me away

Adam

I was there too!
But not to see the band (i work behind the bar) i thought the gig was awful, they're a bit of a metal cliche in my opinion.

I have to agree with Mikael Åkerfeldt

[metal overlord]

My favorite growlers have to me Chris Barnes & Barney from Napalm Death.

[Jalli]

WAIT EVERYBODY!! I found the BEST metal voice IN HISTORY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSjP4oS0DwA&feature=related Check it out!! :D:D:D:D:D

Check "more info" for the AWESOME lyrics! ;)

[RICHY-18]

David Draiman
and james hetfeild

[That Guy]

WAIT EVERYBODY!! I found the BEST metal voice IN HISTORY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSjP4oS0DwA&feature=related Check it out!! :D:D:D:D:D

Check "more info" for the AWESOME lyrics! ;)

Damn.... just, damn.

20202020

[m1ck]

WAIT EVERYBODY!! I found the BEST metal voice IN HISTORY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSjP4oS0DwA&feature=related Check it out!! :D:D:D:D:D

Check "more info" for the AWESOME lyrics! ;)

That would be funnier if I were drunker.

I'll forgive you this time but PLEASE don't EVER put stuff like that into my mind again.

[crdirtRider856]

I always thought that Tiny Tim had some serious growl factor. Other than that, Mike Akerfeldt is my favorite. The guy from Crowbar is cool, but so layered in effects. If you consider Life of Agony metal, Keith Caputo kicks ass. Soulfly's singer rocks, Max Cavalerro I think. Devin Townsend, Nathan Explosion, Phil Anselmo, The old singer from Killswitch(now with Seemless) and their new singer. Too many to list, I think they ve all been mentioned already, so I guess I m not adding much. Oh well

[Nodiggie]

Simple question.. right? With "metal" making its way into the mainstream lets see what you think. Who's got the best range, growls, and pipes in your opinion? Please explain.


IMO Ron Poggione - TESTIFY

Samples coming soon !!!

[Budiesel]

As do I.

They're not solely metal

As do I .. :-)

2020202020

[m1ck]

... Nathan Explosion...

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Greatest pretend rockstar ever. I've been blasting the Dethalbum since I bought it and I'm not sick of it yet.

Can't wait for the next release.

[Jalli]

That would be funnier if I were drunker.

I'll forgive you this time but PLEASE don't EVER put stuff like that into my mind again.

I'm so sowwy. :(. But it still is funny! He is so horrible! :)

[secondXheartbeat]

Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage.

Phil Anselmo from Pantera.

Rody Walker from Protest the Hero.

Tommy Rogers from Between the Buried & Me.


My all time favorites are Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds from Mastodon. Not because of any mindblowing technical skill necessarily, but just because the way their voices fit the music on an atmospheric level. The girttiness of the sound combined with their gritty voices and Brent's southern drawl just adds so much to the already amazing music.

[Mr. Pasquini]

My all time favorites are Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds from Mastodon. Not because of any mindblowing technical skill necessarily, but just because the way their voices fit the music on an atmospheric level. The girttiness of the sound combined with their gritty voices and Brent's southern drawl just adds so much to the already amazing music.
Amen.
All time favorite band right there.

[darkstar442]

Hernan Hermida- aLL SHALL PERISH!!!
Jason keyser- Skinless
Muhammed suicmez-necrophagist
John Gallagher-Dying fetus
Helmuth-belphegor
Marcus Bischoff-Heaven Shall burn
George Fisher- CANNIBAL CORPSE!!!

[drumbum1977]

the guy from Hinder sounds cool

and Bruce Dickenson is the best ever....just sayin

[metal overlord]

Chuck Billy from Testament

[michael drums]

Uhh...


Rob Halford.

GREATEST metal voice...


EVER!!!


End of discussion.

[Dystisis]

Yeah I actually prefer "normal" singing with my metal music. I listen to mostly stuff like sludge and "post-metal" though. Growling complimented with more atmospheric singing is the best in my opinion.

I would say Troy Sanders and Bent Hinds definitely add a lot to Mastodons sound, though.

[That Guy]

I started this thread to hear all of your opinions. You have brought to the fore great ones I admire, also many that I didn't expect and that is awsome/inspiring. Now, I ask you guys to please put some support behind your opinions (musically) weather its notation, harmony or range. The reason I ask this is because I would like to see some opinionated support based on musicality ALONG with taste.

Great job everyone!

I truly look forward to your educational answers.

[Mapex589]

Without a doubt Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth. He really has one of the greatest voices in music today IMO. His vocal range is amazing and the fact that he sings both the melodic "pretty" stuff if you will and the growling aggressive stuff is quite impressive. For those of you not familiar with Opeth I urge you to check out "Ghost Reveries". All of their stuff is incredible though.

[michael drums]

I started this thread to hear all of your opinions. You have brought to the fore great ones I admire, also many that I didn't expect and that is awsome/inspiring. Now, I ask you guys to please put some support behind your opinions (musically) weather its notation, harmony or range. The reason I ask this is because I would like to see some opinionated support based on musicality ALONG with taste.

Great job everyone!

I truly look forward to your educational answers.

"Victim Of Changes" - There's your notation, harmony, AND range!

[criz p. critter]

Serj Tankian
[System Of A Down]

Serj Tankian has the best ... half-metal voice, because he connects shredding guitars, crushing drums with a calm voice and melodies played with closed eyes. Great!

Ohmigod, his voice drives me up a wall! Seems like a great guy, though. Socially conscious... He hosts a great radio show on KPFK in L.A. with Tom Morello, guitarist from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. But I'm off-topic here. Sorry...

Best Metal Voice? I'd have to say one of those big metal guys in Transformers. Optimus Prime? Or Megatron? One of them...

[That Guy]

Ohmigod, his voice drives me up a wall! Seems like a great guy, though. Socially conscious... He hosts a great radio show on KPFK in L.A. with Tom Morello, guitarist from Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave. But I'm off-topic here. Sorry...

Best Metal Voice? I'd have to say one of those big metal guys in Transformers. Optimus Prime? Or Megatron? One of them...

I vote Optimus Prime!

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Come on, surely StarScream...

[That Guy]

Come on, surely StarScream...


Ya, he does have a pretty screamy voice. But, he's no Prime.

[metal overlord]

I vote Optimus Prime!

The dude from Primus! lol

[dwsabianguy]

I'm gonna start a Christian Black Metal band!

How about Christian rapcore Death metal? Check out the last two MDs, the contest is from some guy in a band like that. Weird.

Let's see, for me...

Devin Townsend
Mikael Akerfeldt
Jens Kidman
Phil Anselmo

In no special order

[wnameth]

Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage.

Phil Anselmo from Pantera.

Rody Walker from Protest the Hero.

Tommy Rogers from Between the Buried & Me.


My all time favorites are Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds from Mastodon. Not because of any mindblowing technical skill necessarily, but just because the way their voices fit the music on an atmospheric level. The girttiness of the sound combined with their gritty voices and Brent's southern drawl just adds so much to the already amazing music.

thank you! ill add a few,

Jake Luhrs from august burns red
Winston McCall from parkway drive
Karl Schubach from misery signals
also the old singer from after the burial

[DrummerDavid]

Hands down Chuck Billy.


I started this thread to hear all of your opinions. You have brought to the fore great ones I admire, also many that I didn't expect and that is awsome/inspiring. Now, I ask you guys to please put some support behind your opinions (musically) weather its notation, harmony or range. The reason I ask this is because I would like to see some opinionated support based on musicality ALONG with taste.

Great job everyone!

I truly look forward to your educational answers.

That just takes too much effort.

[drumguyfromWI]

I nominate Nathan Explosion. (A.K.A. Brendon Small)

[Ian Williams]

Lemmy Ian Kilminster - Motorhead

Spider One - PowerMan 5000

Rob Zombie

Rob Halford - Judas Priest

[Neurotica]

Johan Hegg (Amon Amarth) - because his vocas are extremally deep and harsh.
King Diamond (Mercyful Fate) - not for everyone. As he's using extreme falsetto which not everyone can handle.
Mikael Stanne (Dark Tranquillity) - deep enveloping growl.
Alan Nemtheanga (Primordial) - because he mixes growl with clean vocals and it sounds angry and sad in the same time - beautiful.
Rob Halford (Judas Priest) - well, because it's strong high and very melodic
Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden) - because it's Iron Maiden!
Messiah Marcolin (ex-Candlemass) - very high and very strong.
Kelly Sundown Carpenter (ex-Beyond Twilight) - very strong and powerful vocals.
Lord Defiler (Wolven Ancestry) - very poweful melodic black metal vocals

[Mystic]

WAIT EVERYBODY!! I found the BEST metal voice IN HISTORY!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSjP4oS0DwA&feature=related Check it out!! :D:D:D:D:D

Check "more info" for the AWESOME lyrics! ;)

OMFG dude that was funny, I washy my hands!!!

[metal overlord]

Rob of Psycostick FTW!

[hateplow]

This is easy.
Mark "Barney" Greenway
Napalm Death.

The most violent, brutal, gut wrenching vocals.

[ZootELoops]

Deicide! ARRRRRGGGGHHHH

[Vipercussionist]

Ehh, call me old school, but I prefer Dio, Halford, Dickinson, vocals like THAT that had some melody to them. The gravel throat extreme metal stuff is only good for short bursts and it then it gets old. All too many of them you can't make out a word of it.
Just my opinion now, don't get all postal on me!! :D
.
.
.

__________________
Most respect the badge, but all fear the drum.

[That Guy]

Deicide! ARRRRRGGGGHHHH

I haven't listened to them in years! Thanks for the idea.

[ZootELoops]

I haven't listened to them in years! Thanks for the idea.

Yeah man - had to crank a few of those up when I saw this thread!

[Neurotica]

Deicide! ARRRRRGGGGHHHH
God, no.. .. =\

[metal overlord]

Deicide! ARRRRRGGGGHHHH

Yeah! I completely forgot about him.

Chris Barnes & George Fisher, too.

[Ian Williams]

Rob Halford (Judas Priest, Two, Fight, Halford) has an unusual singing operatic style, listen to Exciter from Stained Class and Dissident Aggressor - Sin After Sin. He set the benchmark for Bruce Dickinson - Iron Maiden and Geoff Tate - Queensryche.

Best Regards,

[LeeLovesSabian]

Personaly, i pick James Hetfield. Deep thunderous voice, and he can go high.
Also, Rodney James Dio

[Neurotica]

Yeah, totally forgot about those ones. They are indeed great!

[little_drummer_boy]

i would also go with james hetfield. his voice range is really great, and the way he sounds is good. its very unique i think...

[Ian Williams]

Dave Mustaine -> Megadeth

Tom Araya -> Slayer

Glenn Danzig -> Danzig

Ministry -> singer's name?

Blackie Lawless -> WASP
Animal f**k like a Beast, On your knees, I Wanna Be Somebody, The Last Command.

Rammstein -> singer's name?, I like Ich Will.

Best Regards,

[michael drums]

Dave Mustaine -> Megadeth

Tom Araya -> Slayer

Glenn Danzig -> Danzig

Ministry -> singer's name?

Blackie Lawless -> WASP
Animal f**k like a Beast, On your knees, I Wanna Be Somebody, The Last Command.

Rammstein -> singer's name?, I like Ich Will.

Best Regards,

Huh??

Glen Danzig??

Even though one of my best friends is John Christ, I have to totally disagree with your choice of GD. He's a cross between Jim Morrison and Elvis, but NO WHERE NEAR AS GOOD as either.

Not to mention a REAL p.i.t.a. to work with!

No disrespect to you intended.

;-)

[Mr. Pasquini]

King Diamond....... hell yea.

[That Guy]

Tommy Vext: "SNOT" - new lead singer.

[Ian Williams]

Chuck Shuldiner -> DEATH

Conrad 'Cronos' Lant -> VENOM

Cheers,

[darkstar442]

Man i thought i was going to be the only one to say george fisher... thank you metal overlord... glad someone else appretiates is demonic voice!!!

[Ian Williams]

Till Lindemann from Rammstein. Very strong, guttural, heavy voice for Industrial Metal.

Cheers,

[Guz2]

Bruce Dickinson, hands down. I mean, he was brilliant in his prime but now he's 50 and can still hit notes that 11 year old girls struggle with!

[doorstilend]

Michael Kiske because he is way better than kai hansen and the other dudes after kiske i mean seriously compare vocals

[metal overlord]

Alexi Laiho
Rob Flynn
Chad Grey
Rob Dukes
Joey Belladonna
Tom Araya
Max Cavalera
Dez Ferrera
Jamey Jasta

[LeeLovesSabian]

Till Lindemann from Rammstein. Very strong, guttural, heavy voice for Industrial Metal.

Cheers,


I agree Chuckle

But still, James Hetfield rules.

[Abstsbtsb]

Chuck Billy from testament. That man can sing any metal style and has sung them all.
Hansi Kursh from Blind guardian. Most beautiful voice i think i have ever heard.
Joey Belladona from anthrax. Showed the thrash community thats its still ok to actually "sing" in metal. and he did it better than anyone even to this day.

[speedwolf]

Too many good ones, but my some of my favorites are:

Tom Araya, Joey Belladonna, Dave Mustaine

Tom Araya just has a really good crunchy angry voice, and it sounds natural to me, which I like.

Belladonna....fun fun fun fun, what else can I say?

Mustaine's voice just appeals to me so much, I don't know why...maybe because it's so unique.

[metal overlord]

Matt Heafy isn't bad. I actaully really like his voice.

But whoever said Chronos from Venom....you are so right. His voice fits his music so perfectly

[michael drums]

Oops...


How could I forget, Geoff Tate?! :-|

Queensryche of the early to mid 80's was very dynamic with his vocals.

The Queensryche(EP), Warning, and Rage for Order albums are great examples of excellent metal voice songs.

Huge fan of Tates' vocals pre-90's(commercial stuff).


;-)

[Ian Williams]

But whoever said Chronos from Venom....you are so right. His voice fits his music so perfectly[/QUOTE]

I said it, mate! thanks for your comments.

[LeeLovesSabian]

I've already casted my vote for James Hetfield on here before, but I just thought of another one.

David Drahmain (Disturbed).
A very unique voice. Its great for Nu-Metal/metal

[metal overlord]

Don't know if anyone said Chad Grey.
He's horrible live (I had the chance to see Hellyeah), though.

And, lets not forget Max Cavalera, Alexi Laiho, Randy Blythe, Jamey Jasta, and people like them.

and the dude from 3 Inches of Blood and Bobby Blitz

[matthew]

my opinion only (let's see if you like my taste), in no order:

dying fetus = most of it is pretty awesome
glen benton
Barney Greenway, band=napalm death, song=Twist the Knife (Slowly), album=Fear, Emptiness, Despair
Martin LaCroix (Cryptopsy) album= and then you'll beg
six feet under vocalist has so much power.

[m1ck]

... David Drahmain (Disturbed).
A very unique voice. Its great for Nu-Metal/metal

He's a Hall-of-Famer for sure. Remarkable dynamic range and full of passion. (Not to mention his repertoire of weird noises.) No one would ever have heard of Disturbed without him. He's amazing.

[joosti]

Matt Sanders "M. shadows" Avenged Sevenfold is great too. The screaming in their songs is done by the drummer (james sulivan) don't really like his voice...

[LTNINGFan]

It all depends on the genre of metal since there are so many categories.

For me being a metal lover since the early 80's, it's almost like the question that we all dread "Who is the best drummer"....I would list who I think are the best, but it would be a long boring list for you all :)

[LeeLovesSabian]

He's a Hall-of-Famer for sure. Remarkable dynamic range and full of passion. (Not to mention his repertoire of weird noises.) No one would ever have heard of Disturbed without him. He's amazing.

I love his repertoire of weird noises!
Expecially his famous: "OoooWahahaha!" like in down with the sickness.

[Ian Williams]

Kim Bendix Petersen (King Diamond) ~ Mercyful Fate.

[doorstilend]

do any of you guys had ever hear MICHAEL KISKE?

[Ian Williams]

Yes I do, when he was singing for Helloween, by the way, good German metal band. He has that Bruce Dickinson style.

[Sirwill]

Sebastian Bach. Even today he is able to hold a full range with sustain. My hats off to all the others mentioned.

[doorstilend]

iwilliams knows what im talkin bout xD

[DrummerDavid]

Peter Steele.

2020

[michael drums]

Well...

Does Candlebox count as a metal band?

If so, I HAVE to mention Kevin Martin.

I just saw them Saturday night in Deleware, and KM was simply amazing.

This guy is so melodic, has fantastic range, and just has such a pure singing voice. Even his screams are falsetto in nature. WOW!!

I've always known that he could sing, seen him/them live 3 times and Saturday night sealed the deal for me that Kevin Martin is for real!


;-)

[drumnoob]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned Phil Anselmo?

[metal overlord]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned Phil Anselmo?

We didn't? Really?
Wow.
I should have said that.

[drumnoob]

We didn't? Really?
Wow.
I should have said that.

Sigh...you are all forgiven, sort of. Not to be a metal purist, but Avenged Sevenfold isn't metal (guyliner/emo/power-pop with occasional guitar solos) . Nor is Candlebox (grunge?). It's hard because there are SO many good metal vocalists in so many style: do we go with best clean singing? Best screams? Grunts? Range?

Another I'm surprised I haven't seen is Burton Bell from Fear Factory. He kinda blows live a lot of the time, but he really is an AWESOME vocalist, and his clean/death style has been ripped off A LOT. His clean singing is really full and actually has a lot of range, and is really ethereal and magical when effects are added to it. Also, his guttural death "barks" are some of the most brutal in metal, hands down. Listen to "Shock" or "Slave Labor" (or anything from Demanufacture, Obsolete, or Archetype, but NOT Digimortal) if you haven't already and you'll be an instant fan.

[JanoHatesDrumming]

Sebastian Bach. Even today he is able to hold a full range with sustain. My hats off to all the others mentioned.

yeah i have to agree. sabastian bach has a very good backing vocal on "sorry" by guns n roses

[metal overlord]

Why hasn't anyone mentioned Phil Anselmo?

wait wait wait wait

It was the first post on the thread.

by LM201

Phil Anselmo

2202020

[drumnoob]

wait wait wait wait

It was the first post on the thread.

by LM201

My bad. I didn't look back that far.

[nacdrummer3]

In my humble opinion i think mikael akerfeldt has the best metal voice ever. What is not to like. He has a great set of pipes which he debut on damnation and on deliverence, and has further shown us in the last two opeth albums. He also has one of the best growls period. His growling on all the opeth albums is amazing and lets not forget his growling that he does on the bloodbath cd's. The new bloodbath cd, the fathomless mastery is amazing. His growling is so unique. You can always tell when it is mikael growling. Anyways thats my opinion. If i had to choose another it would probably be dio or zakk wylde

[JerryOnDrums]

Jens Kidman from Meshuggah, why? I think you already know.

Amen to that.

But mostly:

David Verellen of Botch. Pure brutality.

[KalashnikoV]

Unsurprisingly, I have to say Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth.

[mattsnoise]

Bruce Dickinson - Iron Maiden & his solo work [ particularly A Chemical Wedding and Tyranny of Soles ]

[genericdrummingusername]

mmm Corey Taylor?


2020202

[That Guy]

mmm Corey Taylor?


2020202


Honorable Mention at minimum. He can actually sing too.

[Mikebike88]

Good to see a lot of nominations for Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth the man is truly gifted.


It brings a tear to my eye to see ZERO nominations for Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder. For the people into Death Metal this band is second to none at the moment. Very Melodic and brutal

[Construct]

Updating my previous post, I would like to include:

Fernando Ribeiro of Moonspell

[SpLaSsH]

Phil Anselmo - Pantera
Chuck Schuldiner - Death
Max Cavalera - Sepultura

[Ian Williams]

Phil Anselmo - Pantera
Chuck Schuldiner - Death
Max Cavalera - Sepultura

Cowboys from Hell, Vulgar Display of Power.

Scream Bloody Gore, Symbolic.

Beneath The Remains, Arise.

[ShaysRebellion]

TIM LAMBESIS - AS I LAY DYING

[DamoSyzygy]

Best growling - Jens Kidman (Meshuggah)
Best range - Jorn Lande (Masterplan)
Best balance of both - Russell Allen (Symphony X)

[CaptainSticks]

Mr. Maynard James Keenan from some band called Tool.. :-)

agreed, i love maynards voice, really unique.
i also like/tolerate Phil Anselmo and Randy Blythe

[metal overlord]

Dude from Municipal Waste, I forgot his name but he's good.

[Irrational Gaze]

Hello Everybody,

Firstly, I just want to explain my view of the "growling" and "Pig Squeals" of Extreme Metal. I've been listening to metal since i was 10 years old (im fourteen now-i know its not a long time, but ive been completly immersed in metal for that time, so id consider myself a longtime metalhead), and over time, my taste from metal has grown more extreme, starting off with bands like Kiss, AC/DC, Queen, and Black Sabbath, to now, with bands like Cannibal Corpse, Meshuggah, Necrophagist, and Cryptopsy.

That being said, i still appreciate and even love the likes of Freddy Mercury, James LaBrie, and even singers like Beyonce and Aretha Franklin for their vast musical talent. Although the Chris Barnes's and Lord Worm's of the world may not be the best singers in a pop/classical sense (where beautiful melodies and harmonies are almost a neccesity), they are great singers in their own way, and it takes true love of their style of music to appreciate their vocals.

For example: while a classic rock fan may revere Freddy Mercury for his use of dynamics, tone, harmony, ect...an extreme metal fan such as myself finds pleasing qualities in the "death growls" of today. Such qualities include: the "gutteral" qualitiy of the singers voice, the ability of the singer to effectivley growl loudly while still maintaining form without the use of cupping the mic or using electric harmonizers, how long a singer can sustain a growl, and the ability of a singer to growl with a single tone without sounding like he/she (and yes, girls can "growl" too) is strianing his/herself.

Although a person who does not regularly listen to and enjoy etreme metal may not like the style of vocals bands under its umbrella use, it is not simply each singer's attempt to "sound like the devil", it is a unique art which takes a keen and enjoying ear to appreciate.

Also, not everyone can just growl or pig squeal at the drop of the hat. It suprisingly takes a great deal of practice to refine and sustain the extreme metal sound. I challange anyone who disagrees to look up the lyrics to Cannibal Corpse's "Hammer Smashed Face", Dying Fetus' "Insidious Repression" or Behemoth's "Conquer All" and attempt to sing along while sounding the same as the singer, and still singing the words.

And finally, as a side note, the lyrics of extreme metal are usually suprisingly well written. Look at, for example" Cryptopsy's "Slit Your Guts". The lyrics evoke images of a dark psychopath who eloquently murders his victims, with his favorite blade, "Tuesday". The writing style also is reminiscant of French prose, directly associated with Cryptopsy's hailing from Canada. The point I'm trying to make is that in the context of a song, the tone and quality of the vocals is used as a complimentary instrument to the generally dark sound, and upon finding the eloquently written vocals, the listener turned reader becomes pleasantly shocked.


THAT BEING SAID:
My personal favorites include:

Chris Barnes-Ex. Cannibal Corpse, Six Feet Under

Lord Worm-Ex. Cryptopsy

John Gallagher-Dying Fetus

Nergal-Behemoth

Jens Kidman-Meshuggah

Tim Roth/Stu Block-Into Eternity

[Doom]

Mikael Akerfeldt
James Hetfield
Joe Duplantier
Max Cavalera (upto the first Soulfly album at least, I think he peaked in Roots)
Jens Kidman
Tommy Vext - great job on Bleed The Fifth
The guys from She Said Destroy
Phil Anselmo
Martin Walkyer
Eric Rutan
Derrick Green
Devin Townsend

I like these guys for the sound of their voices, their taste in phrasing their vocal parts, their lyrics and they energy they bring to the music.

People who are saying there is no good new metal?
Look a bit harder. There is plenty.

People who consider metal to not qualify as music.
Thats your limitation in taste.

[metal overlord]

Max Cavalera (upto the first Soulfly album at least, I think he peaked in Roots)


I thougbt he was good in the new Soulfly and Cavalera Conspiracy. Max always had that very distinguished voice I'd know anywhere.

[BassDriver]

Oddly enough, I don't think of Maynard's voice as "metal" at all.

Yeah, but Maynard's voice is awesome, but being a tenor he still has a good range but isn't really a suited metal voice, so gentle and controlled but really driven if he pushes his singing (yes, actually sings)...he provides a good atmosphere to the band (someone used a sentence like that before)...it wouldn't be Tool without him.

Four best metal voices in my opinion:

1.Serj Tankian from SOAD
2.Jens Kidman from Meshuggah
3.Tobi from We Butter the Bread with Butter (OMG brutal pig squeels...BBRREEKACHUU!)
4.Brian Fair from Shadows Fall

[RhythmDrums]

Randy Blythe of Lamb of God

Devin Townsend of Strapping Young Lad

Joe Duplantier of Gojira

and my personal favorite, Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth

Yea Mikael Åkerfeldt is my favorite to, I also like Bjorn Strid from Soilwork.

[Myztic]

Aaron Gillespie - Underoath

Drumming while Singing, now that takes some talent!

[jake_larson]

Christian Ãlvestam-Miseration, Solution .45 and ex Scar Symmetry
Tommy Karivek- Seventh Wonder

[genericdrummingusername]

My new favorite, Lars Mikael Akerfeldt. Better clean vocals than most country singers, better screams than most screamo sing(scream?)ers.

[JT1]

My personal favourites not all growlers though!

Rob Halford- The God

Mikael Akerfeldt- Opeth

Randy Blyth- Lamb of God

I agree about Scar Symmetry's old singer that guy was golden. Although the 2 new ones impress me a lot too.

[LeeLovesSabian]

Ivan Moody - Five Finger Death Punch

He yells pretty mean, and his singing voice is damn good.

Listen to:
Noone Gets Left Behind
Bad Company
Ashes
Hard to See
Death before Dishonor

[Mr. Choppers]

Howard Jones from Killswitch Engage is my favorite metal singer...

Best combination of growling & screams.... and melodic power.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlfCaJR_0gk