In the world of metal, the vocalist has a job unlike any other, must deliver energy to the masses, large and small. Yes, this has been a trademark of the rock from the beginning, but unlike Led Zeppelin and Queens of the world, metal music is much more intense and musically impressive that forces their vocal talents to be able to match the intensity of the riffs and drum beats with equally powerful and intense singing and / or growling. The 10 voices are not necessarily the best pure singers in the game, but are the teachers for excellence in bringing the best of epic metal music to life.
10. Tobias Sammet (Avantasia, Edguy)
Edguy is one of the most emotional power metal acts of the genre that has produced three albums by Avantasia have set the bar for epic metal that can and should be. Both projects are largely due to the incredible, Tobias songwriting, but also because the man’s voice and stage presence. Tobias has largely adopted the traditional style of power metal, but he has carved his own niche with a rich tapestry of vocals that perfectly leverages the melancholy (early Edguy), with an energy rate (last day Edguy). This man runs the gamut from melodic singing quality, and that made the list at number 10 should not be considered a game down of his immense talent.
9. Johan Hegg (Amon Amarth)
Death metal has not offered a modern enough vocalist Johan. He brings so badly assery death metal riff with his voice, as almost anyone before him has. The closest to death metal vocalist to play capabilities is Johan Mikael of Opeth, but in terms of pure ability guttural, I think Johan takes the cake here.
8. James LaBrie (Dream Theater, Ayreon)
James needs little introduction. He took the traditional styles in metal power metal progressive metal sphere, which really did not exist in its current form came before Dream Theater. For my part I cannot imagine Dream Theater, not the gentle, yet powerful vocal ability of James Labrie, who can melt the heavier moments with a smooth arsenal Dream Theater. The talent of this man is clearly on par with the rest of the band, even without an instrument.
7. Michael Kiske (Helloween)
Michael Kiske essentially invented the power metal vocal style, and have sung classical songs like Helloween “I Want Out” and “Halloween”, Michael is sure to be remembered as one of the most epic singers of all time.
6. Tim “Ripper” Owens (Iced Earth, Judas Priest)
Ripper Owens is seriously one of the most underrated metal vocalists of all time. Despite being part of some important projects metal shit seems to come at the end of the stick, both bands participated in, as well as the fans themselves. Truth is told however, Ripper turns everything it touches into gold. Ranges falsetto rivals that of Rob Halford, even in these days, and their means are quite low and made to sing metal. Unfortunately, most Ripper projects have been mostly crap, but the guy has mad talent to make even the most unworthy song halfway good.
6. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth, Ayreon)
Some wonder why Mikael way on this list, and those people are probably the same people who wonder why Opeth get much fanfare on a regular basis. If you do not get Opeth, you want to get this ranking, but for believers out there, Mikael is a dramatic storyteller with few rivals. Its scope is very limited, but her singing style is impeccable and heart full of emotion, and even grunts (some of the best death metal) are capable of emotion evolk very, very few guttural voices can be quantified. Opeth’s music is great, but the band would not be half what it is today without the immense vocal talents of Mikael Akerfeldt.
5. Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian)
When one thinks of high epic fantasy metal, one name comes to mind: Hansi Kürsch. Man is the definitive power metal singer who do not have to rely more on the higher falsetto voice. Hansi and the rest of Blind Guardian does not come from the field of crushing and virtuosity, which come from thrash and speed metal, and his voice represent the most extreme metal, but with a clear invocation of the melody and quality. So many people are not necessarily the power metal fans appreciate and enjoy Blind Guardian, even the voice of Hansi.
4. Tarja Turunen (Nightwish)
Tarja is the most epic singer in metal history, without exception. His style of opera Nightwish put on the map, and actually delivered a feeling incredibly dramatic. Tarja Nightwish cannot be over, but his legacy is very clear, then continues his solo career.
3.Ronnie James Dio (Dio, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell)
Please DethDonald to reveal a very obvious error on my part … the omission of one of the greatest metal vocalists of all time, Ronnie James Dio. How could I forget this man? Incredible! So, since I’m too lazy to really re-vamp the entire list and someone started, I made Matt Barlow and Ronnie James Dio tied at third. Now, hopefully no one else around well I’ve forgotten!
2. Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
The # 1 site in this list was clearly a toss between Halford and Dickinson, and what ultimately lead me to my decision to put Bruce on top, add drama to her voice. However, to say that Bruce is the head over Rob Halford is simply untrue. Before Rob Halford, there was no voice in falsetto. In fact, I cannot think of anything quite like vocalist Rob Halford, in any form of rock and roll quite like Rob Halford. This man invented what it means to be a metal singer.
1. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden)
Bruce Dickinson, among his solo work and Iron Maiden, is the leading and most epic of all time. Every song she sings, whether in registered or while on stage, dripping raw, wild emotion that tells a story like no other. Maiden has made some classic songs in terms of riffs, but Bruce makes each melody and power chords come alive. Bruce is a singer, a voice interpreter, and many others have not quite gotten to that step as a singer.
Honorable Mentions:
Jorn Lande (Allen/Lande, Masterplan, Yngwie Malmsteen, Avantasia)
Russel Allen (Symphony X, Ayreon, Star One, Russel Allen’s Atomic Soul)
Eric Adams (Manowar)
Andi Deris (Helloween)
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear)
Biff Byford (Saxon)
Roy Khan (Kamelot)
Matt Barlow (Iced Earth)
One Comment
You cannot think of another voice in Falsetto before Rob Halford? Try Robert Plant and Ian Gillan. Gillan from Deep Purple released their first album with some of the highest screams anyone had EVER done still. Most of which are higher than any scream Halford did his ENTIRE career. So no he is not the one who started the Metal Vocal technique.