I’m not much of a metal guy these days, but I dabbled in high school. I heard about this list on the radio this morning and had to look it up. It’s bound for controversy. Freddy Mercury at #6? Scott Stapp and Fred Durst made the list but Billy Corgan didn’t? ROD STEWART AGAIN!!! This guy is haunting me lately.
I’ll further assume that punk bands are not included, since Joey Ramone didn’t make the cut.
Some of my personal favorites (other than Corgan) that are not on the list:
Pepper Keenan, Corrosion of Conformity
Phil Anselmo, Pantera
Keith Caputo, Life of Agony
Here’s the full list from Hit Parader.
01. Robert Plant
02. Rob Halford
03. Steven Tyler
04. Chris Cornell
05. Bon Scott
06. Freddie Mercury
07. Bruce Dickinson
08. Ozzy Osbourne
09. Paul Rodgers
10. Ronnie James Dio
11. Axl Rose
12. Sammy Hagar
13. Geddy Lee
14. Geoff Tate
15. Mick Jagger
16. Jonathan Davis
17. Roger Daltrey
18. Paul Stanley
19. David Lee Roth
20. Kurt Cobain
21. Maynard James Keenan
22. Klaus Meine
23. Eddie Vedder
24. James Hetfield
25. Trent Reznor
26. Serj Tankian
27. Layne Staley
28. Steve Perry
29. Gene Simmons
30. Joe Elliott
31. Jon Bon Jovi
32. Alice Cooper
33. Vince Neil
34. Steve Marriott
35. Lajon Witherspoon
36. Sebastian Bach
37. Philip Anselmo
38. Zack De La Rocha
39. Brian Johnson
40. Bret Michaels
41. Udo Dirkschneider
42. David Draiman
43. Ian Gillian
44. Marilyn Manson
45. Jeff Keith
46. Chester Bennington
47. Sully Erna
48. Lemmy Kilmister
49. Aaron Lewis
50. Brett Scallions
51. Chino Moreno
52. Rob Zombie
53. Anthony Kiedis
54. David Coverdale
55. Gary Cherone
56. Andrew Wood
57. Scott Weiland
58. Tom Araya
59. Phil Lynnot
60. Rod Stewart
61. Scooter Ward
62. Ray Davies
63. Sonny Sandoval
64. David Bowie
65. Joan Jett
66. Josey Scott
67. Perry Farrell
68. Scott Stapp
69. Amy Lee
70. Don Dokken
71. Fred Durst
72. Mike Shinoda
73. Pepper Keenan
74. Dez Fafara
75. Gavin Rossdale
76. Blackie Lawless
77. Dave Wyndorf
78. Ann Wilson
79. Jimi Hendrix
80. Ville Valo
81. Peter Steele
82. Dave Williams
83. Dee Snider
84. Joe Lynn Turner
85. King Diamond
86. Corey Taylor
87. Jamey Jasta
88. Justin Hawkins
89. Dave Mustaine
90. Ian Astbury
91. Stephen Pearcy
92. Phil Mogg
93. Biff Byford
94. Cristina Scabbia
95. Dani Filth
96. Wes Scantlin
97. Tim “Ripper” Owens
98. Joshua Todd
99. Kevin Dubrow
100. Ray Gillen
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This list needs James LaBrie
Where is Tom Keifer????? He should be there? I didn’t hear Rod Stewart Shredding before,, did ya?
I was shocked to see Ian Gillan at 40-something, they have heard his amazing voice haven’t they? Layne Staley and James Hetfield should be higher in the list and as much as I love Robert Plant, number one he is not.
WHERE THE HELL IS TILL LINDEMANN!! rammstein are one of the greatest metal bands!! AND he has to be one of the greatest metal frontmen!!
1. Ian Gillan – Deep Purple, Black Sabbath
2. Bruce Dickinson – Iron Maiden
3. Rob Halford – Judas Priest
4. Ronnie James Dio – Rainbow, Dio
5. Joe Lynn Turner – Rainbow, Malmsteen, Deep Purple
6. James LaBrie – Dream Theatre
7. David Coverdale – Deep Purple, Whitesnake
8. Robert Plant – Led Zeppelin
9. Klaus Meine – Scorpions
10. Michael Kiske – Helloween
Ian Gillan near Marilyn Monroe (ops! Manson) hah!^^ lame list.
very lame list. Basically like 80% of vocalists mentioned shouldn’t be there. Many great vocalists aren’t here. And no polish vocalists(3 of them should be top 20 in this list easily).
Since every fucking comment says “crap list, fuck em all” or “this guys don’t know what truue metal is” I challenge anyone to write down a list that can please everybody in the web. Seriously, every list can be shit to anybody since there’s not something like THE IRREPROACHABLE TRUTH; in music there are infinite likings and that’s the point of it.
To the last guy that commented named “OK” you’re a fuckin idiot, anyone who knows METAL knows this list is bullshit. Freddie(TRue metal FAn) you also are a fuckin idiot and not only are you not a True MEtal Fan I give you the UNMETAL stamp for your comment about Halford. Werefetus and Mr.slaytallidethrax , you guys know your metal and I agree with most of what you all said like ” where’s Corpsegrinder”? but I gotta say one thing that I dont agree with is Jon Davis, I dont care who calls Korn Metal they fucking are not, atleast not the Metal that I love. But to any true METAL heads on here we all know these people are full of shit. I say FUCK EM ALL!!! let em stew in their fuckin ignorance.
oops, I almost forgot. Mattio, you are a fucking idiot as well. I like Axl but GNR was NOT FUCKING METAL! And if DIO wouldnt be in your list then you are the biggest fuckin IDIOT on this whole damn bullshit list thing, Fuck off retard!!!
Freek, GOD you’re an ass. You’re the kind of guy who would feel important just because he listens to metal that ultraconservative metalheads from the 80′s listen to. So fuck off with your true metal stuff, if everybody thought like that in let’s say, the 30′, rock would have never been created neither heavy metal or anything else.
I never said this is a good list, but again, we all have our OWN OPINIONS, ok???? Be tolerant instead of calling us idiots, the only one I see around is you and others that start throwing shit at everyone and naming them fuckers or ignorants just because they’re not FUCKING MANOWAR FANS throwing shit at everyone and naming others fuckers or ignorants.
Let me put some reasoning to the subject, though you’ll probably not understand it.
The thing I find funny in you TRUE METAL FANS is the fact you are actually the posers you always attack.
Let’s see… Cowboys From Hell, Pantera makeover with their approach to thrash/groove in Darrell’s kickass riffing and Anselmo’s agressive vocals… Here they come, True Metal fans at the time!! Ohh they just can take Judas Priest, Accept, Maiden and 80 acts for Metal, so what do they say about CFH??? ‘Crap, this is an offense to HM Music, they suck so much, they’re not even metal!!!!’ because the album broke Heavy metal standards and brought a fully new sound…
Now check out Korn and ’00 acts… ‘Crap, this is an offense to HM Music, they suck so much, they’re not even metal!!!!’
Not a big fan of nu-metal/alternative metal, but you can’t deny SOAD, Linkin Park, Slipknot, Rammstein, Tool, Deftones, Korn themselves and others also broke standards in Heavy Metal and tried unique things to keep it alive… they did make it with albums like Lateralus by Tool, Toxicity by SOAD, and many releases fresh, original as hell but still retaining a lot of ‘heavy’ feel within them.
Going back, Trues attack them, say they ruined Metal… just like they have always done, but if I say now the same about Pantera, they’ll just kill me. Does that make sense??? Of course, Trues have UPDATED to the likes of the open-mind Metalheads and now criticize the new trends, NOW Pantera rules and everything after them fucken sucks…. and I’m sure that in 20 years, Korn, Pantera and Priest will be Trues’ heroes and the then-new tendency will be shit…
I prefer a numetal fan ignoring even what Iron Maiden is before an hysterical, nostalgic rat messing with other genres fans, and crying for the end of good music while copying the general likes (but most important DISLIKES and bands to insult). Who’s being poser here??
.
As written above, I don’t like alternative that much… but unlike you, if I don’t like something I don’t listen to it and save annoying comments to myself.
Again, try to write a list that pleases everyone.
PD: I know metal. I also know that Rod Stewart and many others on the HP list are not metal, if is that want you want to hear.
What about Warrel Dane (Nevermore) Have you heard Nevermore at all or you kiddin??! How about Mat Barlow form Iced earth??!?!
Hey guys, if PAUL BALOFF IS NOT MENTIONED IN THIS LIST, THEN THIS LIST MUST BE USED ON TOILET PAPER. DAMN THE CREATOR!!
One of the biggest issues with this list is that there are no Metal artists that have come out in the last 15 years from other countries on here. Most of the ones that didn’t predominately focus in America are from England. And any ones that are from somewhere else were popular in the 80′s.
I agree with many above: Where’s Roy Kahn? Tarja? Simone Simons?
The issue is that the people who made this list hold reflect the general music idiots of the population; you either refuse anything new or only search in the small scope of whats playing on your radio. Plenty of brilliant bands and artists are famous around the world, but since they’re not from America many people don’t know about them.
Of course there are plenty of great songs from days gone by; and it’s sad that in 20 years many people probably won’t even know half these people. But you gotta broaden your horizons.
Oh, I would also like to add :
Any musician that only dwelled in metal for a few years and is not the main genre they play would have to be absolutely AMAZING to be on this list.
I like Rod Stewart. He’s pretty cool. And I know that he dwelled in metal in his early years. But he should not be on this list.
If he was so good at it, why hasn’t he done any metal for like the last 30 years?
If I played classic piano my whole life and suddenly picked up an accordion for a week, would you say I’m a folk artist?
No.
Just no.
the guy who made this page is complaining about phil anselmo not making the list, but he actually did, check out #35, and this lists definition of metal is VERY loose, the rolling stones, the who, nirvana and soundgarden (though one of my favourite bands) are NOT heavy metal!!!!
Honestly, these are antiquated metallers, for the most part. Most of this music isn’t even considered metal anymore. Back in the day, yes. Now? Mostly either “classic rock” or some other drivel-ass name. Kiss? Not even close to metal wtf. either way…
My top 5:
1. Phil Bozeman.
2. Howard Jones (WHO SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE BEEN ON THAT LIST! KILLSWITCH ENGAGE!)
3. Eddie Hermida (All Shall Perish)
4. Randy Blythe (Lamb of God)
5. Anyone that isn’t Gene Simmons.
Robert Low (Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus), Mats Levin (Abstrakt Algebra) and Messiah Marcolin?????????????????????????????????? Jimi Hendrix metal vocalist??????????????
w.t.f. John Corabi?????????
To Freek: My hatred of Dio sent you on the warpath. Your love of Dio cracks me up. If not liking Dio is heavy metal blasphemy, then stone me to death.
I’ll have to take your word that Dio was an outrageously talented singer. I’ve never bothered listening to him all that much, and it is because I find his voice very annoying.
—
I now realize my lashing out at Robert Plant was only because he got the number one spot. I don’t like him all that much, but I don’t hate him at all. Some of his work even impresses me. The cheap shots I took at his voice were only because I don’t think of Led Zeppelin at all when I think of heavy metal music.
I don’t understand! Where’s genius, real artist Mike Patton? In my opinion subjective and politically engaged list.
Your Top rankings is just bluff or lie.. as you wish. Shame..
Wtf? this list is a joke! Sully Erna? Fred Durst?? what??? I thought this was the list of top 100 METAL vocalist of all time…..
This list is absolute garbage bullshit whoever put this together is obviously deaf and retarded this is why Hit Parader is the worst magazine ever!!
are you kidding me????David Draiman is only 42nd??? i guess some people don’t know good music when they hear it…..David should be top 10
WTF why is corey taylor not in the top 5
ROD FUCKING STEWART!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IM AM CLOSER TO METAL THAJN THAT FAGGOT
i agreee with Tasha no.1 should belong to Kyo from Dir en Grey, that man is a god of all vocalists….
Maynard James Keenan and Serj Tankian should be on the top
how about matt sanders? he has a pretty good voice
This list is a huge joke. Why include James Hetfield on the list if he’s not gonna be in the top 10, ESPECIALLY putting him BELOW Eddie Vedder? Don’t get me wrong, Vedder’s an amazing singer, but for cryin’ out loud, he’s flat-out GRUNGE. Plus, Kurt Cobain at 20? GRUNGE! Chris Cornell at 4? For the most part (the majority), GRUNGE. And Dio shouldn’t be in the top 10, he should be in the top 1! And I agree that Ozzy should be in the top 3, but this list sucks. They got it all wrong. It looks like it was MADE for a scandal.
This list should be renamed, “About 20 Metal singers, and 80 more singers that we crammed in there because we ran out of ideas.”
To guy “what a great name, eh?”: I think you’re retarded or something. Please, stop compromising yourself.
Roy Khan of Kamelot is definitely one of the best metal vocalistists. Strong voice, very good live. Corey Taylor of Stone Sour is also very good. Shinedown’s vocalist’s also is badass, with a strong voice and great live performances. I hate the way everybody is overrating the “classics”. BULL, they can’t even compare with some of the vocalists of the new bands. Just because they are old and there is this crappy generalized belief that everything that is old is good, just like wine, they are not as good as some of the new ones. Davis of Korn has voice, yes, but he is singing shit. I read some comment about his songs having meaning unlike those of Maynard. Well, Maynard is not very good live (I agree) but in terms of lyrics he is a giant compared to any lyricist and Davis’ lyrics are PATHETIC and sick wannabe.
lajon witherspoon the best ever!
this list is bullshit. rod stewart?? amy lee???? i like robert plant but since when is led zeppelin metal? most of these vocalists (good or bad) arent even metal, therefor should be removed and the list made into a top list.
andwhy the fuck is tom araya only at 58! he should defenitly ve up there at like #5 or something. he has an indredible voice with lots of power that suits the band perfectly. whoever made this list obviously doesnt know metal
This is a retarded list half the people aren’t metal and also i’m probably gonna get flamed for this, but i think Matt Shadows from Avenged Sevenfold should be on here he just sounds unique.
WTF!!!!!! Most of these guys aren’t fucking metal. Where in the FUCK is m. Shadows!! Has anyone heard him sing??? It’s fucking amazing, he’s better than retarded ass axel rose, his voice makes me want to punch babies. Shadows should in top 10 along with hetfield and Corey Taylor. This is absolute bullshit, I only agree with ozzy and Chris Cornell being in the right spots, how the fuck is David bowe metal? Let’s just put lady gaga and beyance in there too they have good voices. Why not just throw in eminem as no. 1. This is shit, m. Shadows is just to great for words.
Kurt Cobain? Amy Lee? Cristina Scabbia?
is metal? ahuahaahuhauuahuh!
NO!!!!!!
Hrmm. Half the names on this list aren’t metal singers…fail.
Yes, I like many people on here agree that M. Shadows absolutely needs to be on this list. It might be because A7X is my #1 band but come on. The guy can sing high or low, he can scream, he can sing softly and beautifully too(Warmness on the soul, Seize the day, Dear God, intro to Gunslinger, intro and outro of M.I.A., and Scream…jk about that one). Anyway, all this proves he’s one of the most versatile singers around. Damn haters.
a7x live in 2 days! yes!
Wow, I guess the guy who wrote this owes you all an apology for not sharing your opinions.
Get over it. Make your own lists.
i wanna commit suicide after seeing that fucking shitty singer cristina scabbia on this list…kill me now!!
1.Dio He’s a really good vocalist and a lot of people don’t seem to understand that for some reason.
2.Halford
3.Dickinson
Really any of the top 3 could be number one but what I don’t get is robert Plant number one. Yes, he’s a great vocalist, but he’s not metal. A major influence to metal,but not metal. Freddie Mercury arguably the best vocalist of all time. But metal vocalist? Not really. Yes, one of their albums was kind of metal, but it should refer to all of their albums, or the large majority. Bon Scott I could see as being metal, Ac Dc is very close on that line between metal and hard rock. But he should be lower on the list since he’s not that amazing of a vocalist. And I also see a lot of Metallica fans. Yes, Hetfield should probably be in top 10 or 15, but saying he is better than dio, halford,or dickinson is just ridiculous. He barely has the vocal range at all to come close to matching up with them. And Corey Taylor… honestly he should be maybe in the 50s at the highest. But people are saying he’s number 1. Wtf? He barely has any vocal range and if you listen to him live it’s no where close to the studio version
Yeah, sure…Jonathan Davis is so metal, so is Fred Durst…Davis is better than GILLAN, Sebastian Bach and Anselmo? Durst is better than Tim Owens and King Diamond? Davis is on number 16? You can’t be serious about it
Ok since when were Mick Jagger and Jimi Hendrix ever metal?
And furthermore:
Robert Plant-IMO one of the best rock ringers ever but he’s not a metal singer
Steve Perry-a voice of an angel . A metal voice?-no
Freddie Mercury-another vocal legend that aint a metal vocalist
Steven Tyler- rock
Kurt Cobain – grunge
Jon Bon Jovi-rock
On and on Morons stuffing a metal vocalist list with so many non metal singers!
How is Jimi Hendrix somehow a better metal vocalist than Dave Mustaine, pioneer of a whole genre of metal and lead singer of Megadeth?
You don’t know your stuff, refrain from reviewing metal anymore please.
To the guy called Mowgli4peace. I understand what you’re talking about, but is unfair to consider just those singers that are technically good, and leave those who sound great but have no idea of voice training. Dio himself never took any vocal lessons, never warmed up before a show, but was one of the best vocalists of Metal. So it’s quite relative, isn’t it?
I think this list is pretty good, except where you put David Draiman, Sully Erna, Rob Zombie ( I HATE ZOMBIE), and Serj Tankian higher than Dave Mustaine and Tom Araya. I mean, I like Tankian, Draiman, and Erna, but Mustaine and Araya are just better. That’s all
Since when is Queen metal?
A list of greatest metalsingers that sees Freddie Mercury (or anyone else) outrank Dio simply cannot be taken seriously.
No Midnight from Crimson Glory!?! Mike Patton!?! No effort went in to this. They threw this junk together to fill space in their crappy mag.
this list is fucking shit
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