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General => General Music Discussion => Topic started by: Darkes7 on May 07, 2010, 05:31:16 PM
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We've had different "top xx" threads already, usually about bands or songs, so I decided for something different... I've had this idea for a few days now, just couldn't get myself to do it, but here I am. :) I realised that when it comes to instrumentalists, I can choose 2-3 favourite musicians in case of every instruments; there are many I like, but there's always this very small group that I absolutely worship. In case of vocalists, it's entirely different - there are many whose voice really stands out for me and is really memorable, in bands of different kinds and genres (this also means not necessarily clean singing, but my list is definitely dominated by clean singing). Even creating a top 20 proved to be one hell of a challenge, so it says something.
I'm certain some choices will be controversial (either because of the place... or presence in general), and even though most are probably known around here, there will be also some vocalists you may have never heard of before, yet I felt I absolutely must include them on the list. Some were very close, but eventually I decided I have to make a choice... And the choice was different.
I'll follow a simple pattern - I'll always mention the bands/projects where the person was a vocalist, a quote (just because I love quoting song lyrics. I'd say I know how I will choose them, but it will end up random anyway, so... :lol), some small photo, a bit bigger description, and usually (not always), songs which I feel are highlights vocal-wise. Note that I do not claim to be an expert in case of each and every one of them - even though I'm familiar with most work of most vocalists on the list, this is about those who really stand out for me - sometimes it means even being above some bands I appreciate much more in general.
Enough talk. Let's get to the point.
20. James Hetfield (Metallica)
(https://img200.imageshack.us/img200/2271/jameshetfield1.jpg)
How can I be lost
If I've got nowhere to go?
Despite everything, I think it would be hard for someone listening to metal to not include him on a list like this. Without doubt one of the most easily recognisable voices in the history of metal, and someone who has probably set a certain set of standards for heavy and thrash metal singing as well... I have both a great sentiment for Metallica (after all, without them maybe I would still listen to Backstreet Boys :lol), and a great appreciation for them, like I said - despite everything. And James' voice is something a metal vocalist simply must have - power and strength, most obvious on the early albums, but he's still capable of that. On the other hand, he's also capable of very nice, clean singing (is there anyone on the planet who hasn't heard "The Unforgiven"? I thought so.), and versatility is a skill I always appreciate. Unlike some people I've talked to, I also like his vocals on Death Magnetic (though I definitely prefer the calm approach here, especially The Unforgiven III, as you can see above) - years pass... but for him, it seems they don't pass so quickly.
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I'll add one at a time, but probably more than one a day... I'd be grateful for comments. :)
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I'll definitely keep track of this thread, though Hetfield? :tdwn
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Have I mentioned controversy? :lol We'll see later. I might add place 19 still today, I can only say expect more metal for now. Later it will change.
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Idd, Hetfield?
How drunk are you right now darkes7? :P
He wouldn't make my top200. xD
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Hetfield circa 1986 was pretty awesome though.
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Idd, Hetfield?
How drunk are you right now darkes7? :P
He wouldn't make my top200. xD
wAht do yuo mean im' jsut gettting startted
OK, seriously... :lol Let's follow. Probably also one of the less popular choices, and one of the very few "not necessarily clean singing" representants.
19. Mille Petrozza (Kreator)
(https://img12.imageshack.us/img12/8215/millepetrozza.jpg)
Oldest dream without a dream, cold but sweet and tempting
As I look into those eyes long gone
And it feels like you were still a part of this restless world
From beyond you reach out for my hand - come closer, follow me!
I promised more metal, and there you go. :D My general view is that if it's not clean singing, it should also be done properly. What Mille Petrozza does in Kreator, is a sort of classic thrash metal vocal style - harsh and rough, just like it should be. And seriously, I don't think I've ever come across anyone who would do it better. His vocals always sound incredibly powerful and strong, the lyrics are always far from optimistic and you can really feel it, he really knows what he's doing. On the other hand, though, is that except of of this thrashy, harsh vocal style, there are some other very nice surprises within Kreator's discography - one of them is a song called Black Sunrise (from what's probably the most controversial album, Outcast), with most of the vocals sung with a very lowered, nearly whispered voice... Definitely one of my favourite metal vocalists, and also the whole new Hordes of Chaos album, which was one of my 2009 favourites, is so great also because of excellent vocals. And other than that - show me a better metal frontman, especially live. It's going to be a challenge. ;)
Personal highlights:
Black Sunrise (album Outcast)
The entire Hordes of Chaos album.
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Cool thread. Vocal has always been the main element I look into when judging a band.
I like James a lot, too. Though he's not a vocalist with 5 to 6 octaves, his voice is just so :metal
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Well Darkes7, cool idea but the singers so far aren't, at least for me true singers.
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Maybe this should be 20 best METAL vocalists? I mean, outside of metal james is.....eh.
But it says Favourite, so I guess it can go in any direction you want it to. I'll keep looking. But if DG isn't number 1 or higher I will murder you with sticks and pancakes.
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Akerfeldt better be top 5 :hat
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please include halford
in my opinion this guy doesn't get the recognition he deserves on this forum
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James would have been higher on my list, but i don't know what people are talking about, he deserves to be high. And yer this looks like it will be interesting so i will follow it :tup
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Maybe this should be 20 best METAL vocalists? I mean, outside of metal james is.....eh.
I said we'll start with metal vocalists, because that's how it turned out. I'm hardly a metal-only person. :P If anyone is afraid about possible "genre proportions", don't, we're not even past the first five.
18. Bruce Soord (The Pineapple Thief)
(https://www.pineapplethief.com/images/meet_bruce.jpg)
Who do you think you are?
Who let you crawl this far?
Who stole your heart, who killed the stars?
You won't know who they are...
Like I promised. Bruce isn't the type of vocalist who gets huge worship, and I think it's not what he's trying to do at all; quite the opposite, he only seems to care for the vocals to fit the music, and in case of The Pineapple Thief, it works perfectly. I know people would find many singers to compare him with, and also won't forgive me that I included him and not them :P but I simply really like his voice, and I have since the first listen of TPT. It's basically the exact opposite of the above - really soft, soothing, also peaceful in a way. He's just great in what he does, and that's what I really appreciate about him.
Personal highlights:
November (album Little Man)
Too Much To Lose (album Tightly Unwound, quoted above)
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I love Bruce Pineapple Thief and his voice fits the band and the feel of their music. Bets vocalist. not realy but it's perfect for their style of music.
Darkes7, do you have all their albums? Bruce has come a long way vocally. In his early days he had a hint of Billy Corgan in his voice. I can't wait for the new album this month.
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Not all - Little Man, Tightly Unwound, and 3000 Days (also Abducting the Unicorn, I managed to hunt down a copy, but haven't yet listened to it). Especially on 3000 Days I can indeed hear the change, there's a big difference between his singing on TU and the song Private Paradise for example. I'm interested to hear what will it be like on Someone Here is Missing.
So, another "popular" choice. I hope it's going to be less controversial than James Hetfield. ;)
17. Paul "Bono" Hewson (U2)
(https://img153.imageshack.us/img153/4134/bono1.jpg)
To let it go and so to find away.
To let it go and so find away.
I'm wide awake.
I'm wide awake, wide awake.
I'm not sleeping.
Another band which had a huge impact on my later musical taste, and another voice which I'll always remember and which has probably already found its place in the history of entire rock music. I don't think I need to introduce him to anyone - voice which is one of a kind, often really uplifting ("Beautiful Day" is a song that will always follow me... even though later there were several others I preferred on the album; but also the classic "Bad" has no competition) but , but sometimes can sound much more serious, maybe even dark ("Sunday Bloody Sunday" is probably a classic example). He doesn't sound as powerful as in the earlier albums, but still - it's him, with all the key elements. Seeing them live is still one of my dreams that are yet to be realised, and I hope it will be...
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I don't think I've ever seen or heard Bono's real name before.
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Hetfield circa S&M was actually fantastic, not just as a metal singer. I know S&M was tampered with a lot after the event, but Woodstock of '99 also shows him performing pretty damn well. And he's going back to AJFA style singing live now, so he's still a good pick imo. Good list so far, I'll follow closely! :tup
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Remember guys, this is his favorite list, not the "objectively" better or forum's opinion.
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Hetfield is a great choice I think. Great singer and is def. a recognizable voice.
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Cool thread. Will be stalking.
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Thanks for the comments. ;) Third and last for today, I decided to move a bit faster now, as I'll have less time since tomorrow.
16. Maciej Taff (Rootwater, Black River, Neolithic... and many others)
(https://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1453/maciejtaff.jpg)
Am I going nowhere
In the absence of the light
Am I not real?
Am I not alive?
There are three things I'm certain about when talking about him: first, he's one of the most extreme cases of a "love or hate" type of singer. Second, probably 99% of people belong to the "hate" group after the first contact, and need time to change it. Third, he's totally unknown around here and outside of Poland in general (and one of the very few on my list who are going to be unknown here).
I was no exception, really. My first, and still the main, contact with his singing was the new Rootwater album, Visionism (you might, or not, remember I mentioned it now and then in the "now listening" thread), and my first reaction was obviously "wtf is this?!?". Over time, my opinion was gradually changing, and now he's definitely one of my favourite Polish vocalists. It's almost impossible for me to put him under any particular style; sometimes it's rather low-pitched clean singing, sometimes and rarely it could be put under "nu-metal", sometimes it sounds almost haunted. Without doubt he's not going to be your favourite if you only like absolutely normal, clean singing, but if you like vocal experimentation... He's amazing. There are things he does with his voice I don't really know how he's capable of, but he can do it. But it's always incredibly expressive, powerful and emotional, he's really getting into what he's singing. If it sounds interesting - try. You have been warned... but you may end up with a similar opinion to mine. ;)
Personal highlights:
Alive, Visionism (Rootwater album Visionism)
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Great to see Bono make this list. :tup :tup
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I didn't wake up yesterday evening, so I have a bit of a delay. :P Now someone probably most of you know...
15. Steve Hogarth (Marillion)
(https://img227.imageshack.us/img227/2961/15stevehogarth.jpg)
When the darkness takes me over
Face down, emptier than zero
Invisible you come to me... quietly
Stay beside me
Whisper to me "Here I am"
And the loneliness fades
I'm not going to pretend I'm a Marillion expert here, because I'm clearly not... But his singing left a very positive impression even after I heard it for the first time, and it was growing when I was listening to more of later Marillion. I've noticed that there is a kind of a split between the band's fans - those who prefer Fish and those who prefer Steve Hogarth, but I think I lean towards the latter group. The kind of voice that immediately finds a place in your heart (and memory) and is impossible to confuse with anyone - his singing works well in the band's poppier material, but my favourites this far were definitely the more atmospheric songs. He's able to fill them with incredible feeling - he's capable of absolute peace and calmness (such as most of "This is the 21st Century", for example), or on the other hand, moments that are absolutely tearing apart with emotion... such as Neverland, which is hands down the most amazing Marillion song I've heard, and my love for it even exceeds many bands I know much better. There are two reasons for this - first, Steve Rothery's guitar (that would deserve a post of its own, but this is the wrong thread), and second - H's voice. And I don't think anyone would be able to do it even half as great.
Personal highlight:
Neverland (Marbles)
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I think its safe to say we will see Fish then?
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I've noticed that there is a kind of a split between the band's fans - those who prefer Fish and those who prefer Steve Hogarth, but I think I lean towards the latter group.
Sorry, no. But he's close as well.
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14. Amanda Palmer (The Dresden Dolls, solo, Evelyn Evelyn)
(https://img686.imageshack.us/img686/4139/14amandapalmer.jpg)
We're gonna take your cities one by one
Catch your cables cut your cords and spoil all your fun
We're gonna make your life a living hell
Cause stripped of your equipment you'll be forced to face yourself...
I promised surprises (or not, I don't remember :lol), and well, sometimes there are bands or artists who appear basically out of nowhere for you, and it turns out that even though it's something that's so far out of your "usual taste" that you should dislike it by definition, you get to love it rather quickly. The Dresden Dolls was like that for me - music based entirely on piano and drums, with a guitar (acoustic) appearing for 40 seconds on the entire album, entirely different feeling and style, unusual vocals... Yes, vocals. Amanda isn't, and isn't even trying to sound nice and soft most of the time. Her singing style is often totally different to what you can be used to, and I admit, it did put me off a bit at the beginning. But well, on the other hand, I've always liked unconventional approach... And this is almost a classic example of unconventional (did I just create a paradox? Never mind). Trying to describe what she does with her voice is difficult to say the least, and even if you've gone through an entire album and think you've heard everything, it may turn out you haven't - I'm speaking from my own experience here. I admit that in the end, I like it the most when she sings with a soft, calm voice (which actually sometimes happens), but it can sound equally amazing when it sounds almost completely "detuned" like in some songs...
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13. Vincent Cavanagh (Anathema)
(https://img405.imageshack.us/img405/2227/13vincentcavanagh.jpg)
We are just a moment in time
A blink of an eye
Visions from a dying brain
I hope you don't understand...
The above is an example of why he is here. His ability to sound really warm and dark at the same time is something I've never heard before. I can really feel in every word that what he sings is honest and comes straight from the heart - sometimes when listening to albums which have a more personal theme it feels to me like the singer is more of an actor. And in his case it's like if he was exactly the one who writes this and it's about his real self - it's so direct and real that it can leave a real emotional impact (such as Lost Control, which is the most amazing Anathema song I've heard - the first few seconds almost make me shiver every time). Although the later Anathema works aren't as dark as the earlier ones, he's still capable of this - such as in Flying, which is the perfect example of a song which is, somehow, uplifting and depressing at the same time.
I'm curious about his singing on We're Here Because We're Here... I'll see in two weeks.
Personal highlights:
Shroud of False, Lost Control, Alternative 4 (Alternative 4)
One Last Goodbye (Judgement)
Balance, Flying (A Natural Disaster)
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I can say that his singing on We're Here Because We're Here is even better than on their other albums :). He really improved during those 7 years :p.
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I can say that his singing on We're Here Because We're Here is even better than on their other albums :). He really improved during those 7 years :p.
This
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I'll be mildly disappointed if the might Frank Zappa does not make an appearance here...
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Jorn Lande best be number 1
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Vinnie ftw! :-)
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Mizzl better be number 1.
Also, how on earth did I miss this thread?
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Of the first 7, I only know Hetflield.. :lol ...and Paul Hewson too.
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Very interesting choices thus far...
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Very interesting choices thus far...
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Mizzl better be number 1.
:metal
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Mizzl better be number 1.
:metal
Obviously. :lol
Thanks for comments everyone. :) I'm pretty certain that from this point, every single one of the twelve (ok... one possible exception) is at least a bit recognised around here.
12. Blaze Bayley (solo, Iron Maiden, Wolfsbane)
(https://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8016/12blazebayley.jpg)
Look what you've done now with
All of your freedom
You really think you deserve it all
I am evolved from you
I've come to save you
And without a sentiment, reshape your world
I'll begin with a bold statement, and I'm going to defend it if necessary... The most underrated and underappreciated vocalist in the entire history of heavy metal. There are a few (very few) who are even more amazing in the genre and they get the deserved recognition - he deserves a place up there, among them. Unlucky because of joining Iron Maiden in the most difficult period and lots of complaints regarding the two albums (The X Factor and Virtual XI) fell unjustly on him, instead of the actual songwriting and other problems (especially that his voice actually fitted the dark atmosphere of the two albums very well). Afterwards, he's begun a very active solo career, no one will tell me he isn't an amazing songwriter as well as a leader.
Absolutely amazing, deep voice, completely unique and similar to pretty much no one. He can sound really dark as well as absolutely epic and powerful. In the latter case - as much as I greatly respect and nearly worship Bruce Dickinson (I'm trying to avoid any hints here, but... :P), even though he handled it very well on Rock in Rio as well, I feel nothing will beat the original version of The Clansman with Blaze (and it's one of my favourite IM songs ever, despite being put on probably their most inconsistent album ever). The way he sings it - no one can do it that way, and No, we can't let them take anymore, from the land of the freeeeeeeeeee! is something that absolutely gives me chills every time...
If someone asks why "only" place 12 - but it's really high, believe me, 20-13 was pretty stable, but I really had trouble deciding on the ones above - I know I should put him higher. Maybe it's just that I still don't know him that well. I don't know yet. But really, this is the "awesome" tier...
Personal highlight, the one and absolutely the greatest one:
The Clansman (Iron Maiden - Virtual XI)
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I hope this won't cause a DTF riot under the leadership of Sigz. Either way...
11. Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, solo)
(https://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/500/120268/Steven+Wilson.jpg)
Water so warm that day, I was counting out the waves
And I followed their short life as they broke on the shoreline
And I could see you
But I couldn't hear you.
You were holding your hat in the breeze, turning away from me
In this moment you were stolen
And there's black across the sun...
I admit, he was my greatest problem when thinking about this list. Let's face it: he probably is a genius, or close, a very good guitarist, amazing songwriter, and also he can play several other instruments. But when it comes to vocals... he is definitely the "fits perfect for his music, but not impressive otherwise" type of vocalist - pretty much all of those who will follow, and some of those before, are probably better in terms of pure singing skills. And focusing on vocals alone, it was really difficult for me to place him...
But well, anyway, he's here for a reason. Like I mentioned, his singing is definitely perfect for the kind of music he creates, and what he can do with his voice in the music is just amazing. He's particularly excellent if it's melancholy or deep sadness we're dealing with - the above quote from part three of Anesthetize is a great example, so is the amazing Don't Hate Me (the feeling of sadness in the chorus is incredible), but absolute genius is Heartattack in a Layby. However, it's also great in many different ways - the singing in Octane Twisted just printed itself in my head after the first listen (I was really tempted to include it as the quote instead, but Anesthetize won) - it has an incredible emotional strength, despite sounding cold... And speaking of emotional strength: there are moments where his singing can absolutely tear apart, Way Out of Here being the strongest, and probably my favourite. However, there are also some more uplifting and dreamy moments when he can really shine... the best examples are obviously Pure Narcotic, I Drive the Hearse, and a bit different - Open Mind from the first Blackfield album, a song which I loved immediately because of the vocals.
His voice is simply unique. He may not be the most versatile singer around, but his creativity and pure emotion is enough. I may have still put him far too low - it's difficult to decide. Some things are impossible to rate or compare. But well, I had to...
Personal highlights:
Pure Narcotic, Don't Hate Me (Stupid Dream)
Gravity Eyelids, Heartattack in a Layby (In Absentia)
Lazarus (Deadwing)
Anesthetize, Way Out of Here (Fear of a Blank Planet)
Drawing the Line, Octane Twisted, I Drive The Hearse (The Incident)
Open Mind (Blackfield)
[Note: I decided to make an exception from my "200 pixels tall picture" rule. The reason in simple - the above is my favourite photo of a musician ever. :P]
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Completely agree with Steven Wilson. Great placement for him. :tup
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*Steven Wilson*
I'LL FUCKING TEAR YOUR HEAD OFF AND RAPE THE EMPTY SOCKET FOR THAT BLASPHEMY
Nah, I'm kidding, it's cool. I really like SW's voice (most of the time), and his voice fits his music very well, but there's plenty of singers out there who are far more effective with their vocals.
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Gildenlow better be top 3!
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I had better be Nr1, just like Harry and Arjen said :hat
Also
Gildenlow better be top 3!
this
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I'll begin with a bold statement, and I'm going to defend it if necessary... The most underrated and underappreciated vocalist in the entire history of heavy metal. There are a few (very few) who are even more amazing in the genre and they get the deserved recognition - he deserves a place up there, among them. Unlucky because of joining Iron Maiden in the most difficult period and lots of complaints regarding the two albums (The X Factor and Virtual XI) fell unjustly on him, instead of the actual songwriting and other problems (especially that his voice actually fitted the dark atmosphere of the two albums very well). Afterwards, he's begun a very active solo career, no one will tell me he isn't an amazing songwriter as well as a leader.
Absolutely amazing, deep voice, completely unique and similar to pretty much no one. He can sound really dark as well as absolutely epic and powerful. In the latter case - as much as I greatly respect and nearly worship Bruce Dickinson (I'm trying to avoid any hints here, but... :P), even though he handled it very well on Rock in Rio as well, I feel nothing will beat the original version of The Clansman with Blaze (and it's one of my favourite IM songs ever, despite being put on probably their most inconsistent album ever). The way he sings it - no one can do it that way, and No, we can't let them take anymore, from the land of the freeeeeeeeeee! is something that absolutely gives me chills every time...
I agree. I still think he was a great choice. At the time and I still do today. The band was way too unfocused and should've capitalized on the latent genius of The X Factor. Still contains some of Harris' best ideas in ages, but it just couldn't be pulled together.
Blaze has had a string of great albums. Promise And Terror is outstanding. At the moment, it's fighting Armored Saint for my album of the year.
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Completely agree with Steven Wilson. Great placement for him. :tup
this
Gildenlow better be top 3!
and this
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Huge thumbs up for putting the magnificent Blaze Bayley so high, he would certainly make my top 20 as well. He is the most underrated singer in the history of metal, and his job on The X Factor is fascinating. As for his solo work... Well, in terms of the quality of the studio albums, I'd say he has the most consistent band in the last 10 years. Promise and terror is the album of the year so far, although I'm pretty much sure The Final Frontier will be the champion...
Up The Blaze! :metal
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Wow, I expected more controversy with these two choices, but I'm glad it was so well-received :P
I agree, Blaze's solo work is great, and I definitely must listen to it more. But I've also seen him live (right when he started with the new line-up), and it was absolutely amazing - he is excellent as a frontman, and he sounds maybe even better than studio. That's something few vocalists are capable of...
Now, time for someone who is definitely underappreciated around here. And so we enter the top ten... (Although, honestly, top 12 was the more important line here)
10. Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell)
(https://img532.imageshack.us/img532/8871/10fernandoribeiro.jpg)
I can teach you wonders if you give me your soul
Marvels and wild dreams - they can be yours
I can teach you how iron turns to gold
And how life can grow so old...
But I am a demon who dresses in red
And I do not hope you will understand.
Basically every idea for an Epic Introduction [TM] I got sounds pretentious so never mind. I don't know anyone with a voice which would define the word "gothic" so well and that would have such a huge influence on creating a dark, mysterious atmosphere. In fact, I think "atmosphere" must be his second name somewhere, because his singing (or growling) basically is atmosphere. With his low, deep voice he can sound both absolutely dark and almost scary (such as in the amazing song "Mephisto" from my favourite album, Irreligious - quoted above), or, on the other hand - somehow charming (like in "Luna" from the previous album, Memorial)... His singing is just as great as growling - since the band originates from black metal (one of the very few good consequences of black metal... ok, never mind), it has a slight black metal edge to it, but he can do it in an absolutely amazing way - it says enough that Moonspell became one of my favourite band, in a huge part because of the vocals, back when I disliked anything that isn't clean singing...
However, unlike what it may sound, he is very versatile - other than the early and recent extreme gothic metal albums, there was a very different "experimental" period (two controversial albums - Sin/Pecado and The Butterfly Effect), where he's proved equally great in a very different, more "open" style, such as in a rather poetic song "Disappear Here", where he's proved he can sing in a much softer voice. And now, he can sing and growl, and it sounds equally great in both English and his native Portuguese (which appears now and then in their music), and I really like it - what happens if you combine all four? That is a majesty called "Full Moon Madness", which is an absolute classic, and shows everything the best he's capable of - and if you don't know the band, that's also what you should try...
Anyway, it's difficult for me to put it into words this time without repeating myself - one of my favourites since a very long time, and in my opinion deserving far more appreciation...
Personal highlights:
Awake, Mephisto, Full Moon Madness (Irreligious)
Abysmo (Sin/Pecado)
Can't Bee, Disappear Here (The Butterfly Effect)
The Southern Deathstyle, The Antidote (The Antidote)
Luna, Best Forgotten (Memorial)
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Cool list so far.
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10. Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell)
Never heard of him... I'll youtube them.
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Russell Allen better be in Top 10 or 5!
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10. Fernando Ribeiro (Moonspell)
Never heard of him... I'll youtube them.
Try Full Moon Madness, Can't Bee and The Southern Deathstyle, you'll have a good idea of what they sound like. Enjoy :)
Russell Allen better be in Top 10 or 5!
Sorry, I barely know him, no way I could judge him in any way.
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please include halford
in my opinion this guy doesn't get the recognition he deserves on this forum
I admit this post brought a wide smile to my face... But I didn't want to spoil the surprise. :P
9. Rob Halford (Judas Priest, solo, Fight)
(https://img6.imageshack.us/img6/3032/09robhalford.jpg)
Look at me I'm chasing
After dreams left in the storm
What I am is all
That really matters now
The lies are gone
All the lies are gone.
One of the icons of heavy metal. Any doubt about this? I thought so. With an incredible combination of insane, high-pitched screams and low, baritone singing, there is no way to confuse him with anyone if you've heard him once. Some have tried to sound similar, no one has ever come close. And I guess that's how it will remain. 41 years into his career, he seems to absolutely defy time and sounds just as amazing now as ever before, and as you can see by his new solo album, he never runs out of creativity. ;) And what I find interesting, that after all these years where in Judas Priest they concentrated on metal itself, leather, motorcycles and similar (I found one picture with a motorcycle which defines the word "badass", but it was poor quality :( ), over time he's also gone in a bit more serious direction, and since then the themes in his music, and the recent JP releases, are the combination of the two... He proves equally great in a darker, more serious style like in insane, fast heavy metal, and I think I've mentioned I appreciate versatility. However, personally for me there is one slightly overlooked gem in the aforementioned more serious style - a song called Silent Screams on his first (and really great) solo album, Resurrection, which shows basically his whole talent and skills within seven minutes...
What else can I say? I'm speaking about history, legend, present and future at the same time. All four leaving no doubt the nickname of "Metal God", as funny as it might sound, is deserved...
Personal highlight:
Silent Screams (Halford - Resurrection)
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Moonspell sure is an interesting and unique band. They obviously grew up listening to Fields Of The Nephilim. I'm not a fan of RORORO at all, but that deep Chris "metal" Isaac voice is pretty cool.
A very interesting cover of Mr. Crowley.
Thanks D7!
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Can't wait to see Halford at Ozzfest (inb4 lolOzzfest). :metal
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lolOzzfest
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Can't wait to see Halford at Ozzfest (inb4 lolOzzfest). :metal
LOL
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lolOzzfest
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Unnecessarily long post is unecessarily long.
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Unnecessarily long post is unecessarily long.
Shh, you'll prompt him to do it again, only this time with four smileys.
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YEAAH HALFORD!!!!! :metal
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More like lolz fest, amirite?
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Can't wait to see Halford at Ozzfest
Ozzfest jokes aside, I wouldn't get too excited. In his heyday, there were few better or as good as Halford, but he is a shell of his former self now. Decades of doing those high screams has taken a heavy toll on his voice, which is normal; he is only human, after all. But he is definitely top 10 material...maybe even top 5.
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When it comes to metal vocalists, Bruce Dickinson has Halford beat by miles, especially today.
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When it comes to metal vocalists, Bruce Dickinson has Halford beat by miles, especially today.
I'd say it's hard to pick a vocalist who sings that kind of material who has aged better than Dickinson.
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Unnecessarily long post is unecessarily long.
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:neverusethis:
Can't wait to see Halford at Ozzfest
Ozzfest jokes aside, I wouldn't get too excited. In his heyday, there were few better or as good as Halford, but he is a shell of his former self now. Decades of doing those high screams has taken a heavy toll on his voice, which is normal; he is only human, after all. But he is definitely top 10 material...maybe even top 5.
Oh yes I realize he's not what he used to be, but I'm still excited to see him, even if just for the novelty.
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When it comes to metal vocalists, Bruce Dickinson has Halford beat by miles, especially today.
I'd say it's hard to pick a vocalist who sings that kind of material who has aged better than Dickinson.
both true, but you have too look what Halford has achieved with his voice in his early years.
pretty damn awesome.
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Moonspell sure is an interesting and unique band. They obviously grew up listening to Fields Of The Nephilim. I'm not a fan of RORORO at all, but that deep Chris "metal" Isaac voice is pretty cool.
A very interesting cover of Mr. Crowley.
Thanks D7!
I was a bit afraid to be honest, but it's great to see you liked them. :)
In his heyday, there were few better or as good as Halford, but he is a shell of his former self now. Decades of doing those high screams has taken a heavy toll on his voice, which is normal; he is only human, after all. But he is definitely top 10 material...maybe even top 5.
Obviously he may not be as great as in the past, but he is still amazing without any doubt. There's more of the baritone singing instead of the high screams on the recent albums, but I'm fine with it personally. I think still even now there are very, very few who can come close in heavy metal.
OK, this time it is almost a tie. The difference is really less than an inch, so I decided to post them together - each one because of different advantages.
8. Kjetil Nordhus (Green Carnation)
(https://img215.imageshack.us/img215/5356/08kjetilnordhus.jpg)
Can you recall the light?
I know you`re sad because it`s winter
But I can promise you a spring
I know you`re cold, I see you shiver
But I can promise you a spring
You may have noticed me saying here and there that the best news possible for me would be Green Carnation re-uniting... I don't think there's a big chance, but anyway. One thing I will always remember regarding the band is, obviously, Kjetil and his singing. I haven't heard anyone any similar, ever - no one else can sound both so incredibly soothing, and also so deep and powerful, which has proved perfect for the band's discography. On the album A Blessing in Disguise, which has some of the more straightforward direction of Green Carnation, he really shines in both styles, with slight emphasis on the latter (just listen to Into Deep or Myron & Cole... amazing). However, it's his calm singing that I find absolutely unforgettable, and I hope he will have a chance to use it again in the future (as after GC split-up, he's only appeared as session here and there). Lullaby in Winter (quoted above) and Two Seconds in Life from the aforementioned A Blessing in Disguise are absolute and pure beauty, and so is the entire, absolutely amazing The Acoustic Verses album, which allows him to shine more than ever. And then, there's the A Night Under The Dam DVD, where he manages to pull off some things even better (Maybe?).
Not much more I can say here... One of the cases where only music can explain anything.
Personal highlights:
Two Seconds in Life, Myron & Cole (A Blessing in Disguise)
9-29-045, High Tide Waves (The Acoustic Verses)
Maybe? (both versions - from The Acoustic Verses and A Night Under The Dam, each for different reasons)
7. Nick Holmes (Paradise Lost)
(https://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1223/07nickholmes.jpg)
I've never seen the love and confidence
To believe the faith, and never speak again
Forever seething throes of opulence
To release the pain and never breathe again
Can you release the pain and never speak again?
At God's gate
Tear me down and break me I remain!
What absolutely impresses me about this man is the strong will to follow all the changes the band has gone through. Sure, changes of style need plenty of skill and patience from every band member, but in case of changes as huge as the ones Paradise Lost has decided for during their career, it's without doubt the vocalist who faces the greatest challenge. Now tell me, do you know anyone else who started as a 100% death/doom metal growling vocalist, over time changing into a cleaner, "harsh singing" style (slightly reminiscient of James Hetfield), then a completely clean, melodic singing style, then again harsh vocals, but with a much lower, darker sound and still combined with the clean singing? I don't know anyone. Not even close. And with all these combinations, he has a very easily recognisable style...
And yes, that's Nick Holmes. Although his full-on growling style is apparently gone once and for all (once asked about that, he referred to it as "dinosaur style" :lol and said he could probably pull it off but there's no need for it), he can do everything else equally well, and live as well as studio. I loved his vocal style since I first heard the band, and now with a much broader knowledge I can say - I love all four. His growling was, well, growling like it should be. The second style, around the time of the "metal fan favourites" (albums Icon and Draconian Times), is the perfect in-between style, fitting perfectly to that era. His clean singing is completely unique, and he has a really nice range - it can sound really soft and melancholic at times (the entire, really controversial album Host is the best example - I don't know if there's a book around about it, but someone could write one). Finally, his fairly recently developped, low, harsh vocal style is also my favourite - it sounds really powerful and absolutely monumental, with lots of strength and emotion. The entire latest PL album, Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us is a totally amazing combination of the two latter styles, and one of the most amazing albums vocal-wise I have ever heard. And when I saw them live, he pulled it off equally well.
I have no idea why he never gets much attention whenever someone decides on matters like the one in this thread. One of the best in my opinion - I wanted to say "one of the best in metal", but Paradise Lost has extended far beyond metal, so it wouldn't be correct.
Personal highlights:
Forever Failure (Draconian Times)
So Much is Lost, Host (Host)
No Celebration, Symbol of Life (Symbol of Life)
Requiem, Your Own Reality (In Requiem)
The entire Faith Divides Us - Death Unites Us album, particularly I Remain
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You just proved my point. :sadpanda:
It shouldn't have taken much of any kind of prophecy skills to see this coming...
6. Jonas Renkse (Katatonia)
(https://img140.imageshack.us/img140/4056/06jonasrenkse.jpg)
Leaders come, stand in line
Reveal your true self and conform
I sold my song, crossed the borderline
I found something I'd never adjust to.
Come here - I've paid for you
I have sold my weakness too
Come here - I split my heart in two
But you don't have it in you
Do you?
It's obvious that in a band which relies so much on atmosphere and vocals as Katatonia, you really need a voice that stands out. In my case I think there's only one statement I should give: he's reached up here in two months. He's greatly responsible for my massive Katatonia addiction which has lasted for two months now, and I can't say I mind. I don't mind at all.
If you've never heard them, you may be surprised that this usually very dark-looking person (the above is one of the very few photos that don't look like that :P) has a rather soft, sensitive voice... which fits absolutely perfectly to the music. He doesn't have any powerful "methul \m/" moments himself, he can sing with his calm, soft voice even when there's a riff thunderstorm going on beneath, and it always captures attention. I have heard very, very few who can express so much emotion in their voice, and who really allow you to somehow emotionally join in. There are countless songs where he seems to be giving his 110%. It's not the "break the glass" type of voice, it's quiet. But it's incredibly powerful regardless - and that's what I appreciate the most about him.
His singing on the previous albums probably classifies for most as "depressive" (and "anti-depressive" for me), and he hardly has any competition in this department. Listen to Soil's Song for example and try not to melt when he sings "false... the dream is so far". Listen to A Premonition and try to remain indifferent when it's "it haunts my dreams". Or listen to Sleeper, and try not to feel the incredible fear in the chorus. It's impossible - his voice can get the message through better than almost anyone. If you're not into this, however, he has shown an entirely different side on the newest album, Night is The New Day - a much brighter, warmer side. For example, the absolutely amazing singing in Idle Blood, which is an incredible combination of uplifting and melancholic. Or, on the other hand, New Night, with the incredibly emotional, monumental chorus. Or, finally, Departer - a song that has immediately joined my favourites...
And most importantly - I had been afraid he may be unable to pull off some of the more difficult parts live. On March 29th, I was proved totally wrong: he managed to make some things sound even more powerful than on the album, and basically flawless from the technical point of view. He's climbed up here very quickly - for a reason...
Personal highlights (the most difficult one this far):
Ghost of The Sun, Sleeper, Complicity (Viva Emptiness)
Leaders, Soil's Song, The Itch (The Great Cold Distance)
Idle Blood, New Night, Departer (Night is The New Day)
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Lord Seth :metal :metal :metal
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I've heard there is a photo of him and Anders Nystrom (aka Blakkheim) in full black metal paint on the first Jhva Elohim Meth EP. Compared to how they look now, this must be awesome. :lol
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Surprised to see Renkse so high up, even though i know that you love Katatonia.
He's always sounded decent/good on the albums, but i was shocked how bad he sounded live. :/
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From what you've described now and before, I'm certain it must have been an off show for them or something. In March it was hands down one of the most amazing concerts I've ever seen, and perfect in every way, vocals included. And I'm certain that liking him also requires a bit specific taste, he isn't the "everyone loves him" type of vocalist. Unlike...
5. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden, solo, Samson)
(https://img641.imageshack.us/img641/2332/05brucedickinson.jpg)
As the sun breaks above the ground
An old man stands on the hill
As the ground warms to the first rays of light
A bird song shatters the still
His eyes are ablaze, see the madman in his gaze
Fly, on your way, like an eagle
Fly as high as the sun...
His presence here was probably obvious... Especially if it's someone who grew up listening to Iron Maiden making this thread. Absolute legend and he definitely seems to defy time, losing very little since the "best times" of the '80s. I can guess that everyone's first thought at the mention of a "heavy metal" vocalist is him, and there is a reason for that. Voice that absolutely stands out, capable of being monumental and extremely powerful, but also quiet and warm (the latter is especially obvious on some songs from his solo career). He's definitely had a huge impact on my view on music - especially that for a very long time vocals were basically 80% of the most important parts of music - and I think that he's going to keep a very high place up here even when I reach his age now. I don't know what I can say - you've all heard him. You know no one can compete with him in his genre. And I could name many, many impressive moments in his career...
Personal highlights:
Where Eagles Dare, Revelations, The Flight of Icarus (Piece of Mind)
Aces High (Powerslave)
Fear of The Dark (Fear of The Dark)
The Wicker Man (a song that will always follow me. I still remember when Brave New World was new and I could listen to this one almost all the time)
Paschendale, Journeyman (Dance of Death)
Brighter Than a Thousand Suns (A Matter of Life and Death)
...and these are just the most important, plus I've probably forgotten something and there are those I still don't know...
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Well maybe.
I've always thought that Renkse has a pretty one-sided voice, it sounds one way, and nothing more. :P
On another note, great to see Bruce!
He's amazing, and would be in my top5 as well.
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It is indeed one-sided (as long as we talk about albums before Night is The New Day), but it's the way he uses it that I absolutely love. He has the kind of voice that I can never get tired of, and that can cause almost exactly as strong emotions at the 50th listen of a song as at the first one.
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If Dustin Kensrue is not number 1 then this list is wrong.
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That's actually very true.
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If Dustin Kensrue is not number 1 then this list is wrong.
no, the list wouldn't be wrong cause mizzl should be number 1
Yeah, Brucey's on the list
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I'm starting to feel pressure upon me. :(
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Bruce's not that he hits at the end of the last chorus of "Where Eagles Dare" is one of my favorite vocal moments ever.
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My guesses for the remaining 4:
Mikael Åkerfeldt
Mariusz Duda
Daniel Gildenlöw
James LaBrie (maybe?)
:corn
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I can't believe there is no Eric Adams, Jorn Lande or Russell Allen on this list so far. God damn.
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Lack of the guy from Circus Maximus is sad.
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I think my top four choices will repair it all. You'll see :P
As you may have noticed, for the last top 5 I'm slowing down to one post per day. Now, time for someone who couldn't, no matter what, be missing here...
4. James LaBrie (Dream Theater, solo, Winter Rose)
(https://img534.imageshack.us/img534/2885/04jameslabrie.jpg)
Why, tell me the reasons why
Try, still I don't understand
Will I ever feel this again?
Blue sky, I'll meet you in the end
Free them, free the memories of you
Free me, and rest 'til I'm with you.
Unlike some, I've never had any problem whatsoever getting used to his voice. Quite the opposite, I loved it immediately, and I still do. Back in 2002 I think, when I first heard Regression (having no idea what is it back then, I found out some years later), and then for the first time consciously - the whole Octavarium in 2006, it was exactly what was needed to get me into the band. I cared about vocals basically more than anything else back then, and a voice that can sound great both in metal (as metal was where I was coming from) and softer songs was just perfect for me. Now the amount of amazing moments of different kinds I see in DT discography is just huge, and I don't know literally any song where he wouldn't be able to capture its spirit, even if it's something as difficult as The Best of Times recently...
There was a time where live he didn't always sound great, and we know the story behind it... But in 2009, I was proved twice that these days are long gone. Now he sounds probably better than back in 1993, since he seems to hold a better control of his voice now, and well - he can sing Voices without any problem, and that says everything. There's still an even more glorious, deserved future in front of him...
One of my favourites. Forever.
Personal highlights:
Pull Me Under (Images & Words)
Voices, Space-Dye Vest (Awake)
Trial of Tears (Falling Into Infinity)
The entire Metropolis Part 2: Scenes From a Memory album, particularly Regression and Home
In The Presence of Enemies Pt. II (Systematic Chaos)
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I like LaBrie as a vocalist, and he might merit a top 5 spot for me if he died after Awake, but to me, his voice has just never been the same since.
Also, and this may or may not be his fault, his performances since SDOIT have gone from good to merely average. The covers for BC&SL have somewhat restored my faith though.
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I like LaBrie as a vocalist, and he might merit a top 5 spot for me if he died after Awake, but to me, his voice has just never been the same since.
Also, and this may or may not be his fault, his performances since SDOIT have gone from good to merely average. The covers for BC&SL have somewhat restored my faith though.
That's cause MP didn't dictate how he sings on those.
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That's cause MP didn't dictate how he sings on those.
Please don't troll here. Thanks.
I like LaBrie as a vocalist, and he might merit a top 5 spot for me if he died after Awake, but to me, his voice has just never been the same since.
Also, and this may or may not be his fault, his performances since SDOIT have gone from good to merely average. The covers for BC&SL have somewhat restored my faith though.
I can't agree. Sure, there are fewer moments as insane as Voices chorus or "watch the sparrow falling..." from Pull Me Under, but they're still there, and he has other, new strengths. ITPOE Pt. 2 is absolutely incredible vocal-wise, the whispered parts sound darker than anything he had ever done, and the "angels fall" chorus deserves a spot up there above the aforementioned I&W/Awake highlights, if not higher.
And I just feel he just really controls his voice better now, there's no going over the top when it's not necessary anymore.
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I'm not trolling. Have you seen them recording Systematic Chaos? MP directed every single thing LaBrie did, from his melodies to how he pronounced things to his inflection, everything.
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He did indeed tell him what to do in some moments simply because, I guess, he was the one who had the vision for that part of the song and just wanted it to be like that. Overall James had plenty of free space.
And I call it trolling because it doesn't belong in this thread and definitely sounded like that.
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I'm not trolling. Have you seen them recording Systematic Chaos? MP directed every single thing LaBrie did, from his melodies to how he pronounced things to his inflection, everything.
JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
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I'm not trolling. Have you seen them recording Systematic Chaos? MP directed every single thing LaBrie did, from his melodies to how he pronounced things to his inflection, everything.
JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
A good point indeed, although JLB didn't seem to have any control of Portnoys parts in that song. So who knows, aside from the lyrics, how much control JLB had.
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I'm not trolling. Have you seen them recording Systematic Chaos? MP directed every single thing LaBrie did, from his melodies to how he pronounced things to his inflection, everything.
JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
A good point indeed, although JLB didn't seem to have any control of Portnoys parts in that song. So who knows, aside from the lyrics, how much control JLB had.
The drums are probably the best part of that song.
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Oh I meant Portnoys vocal parts.
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Oh I meant Portnoys vocal parts.
Oooh OK. I like those actually. They remind me of Queen.
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I just realized which thread this was haha. Sorry dude, forgot. I'll cut it out. For some reason I thought I was posting this stuff in a DT related thread. My bad.
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I'm 99% certain there will be no controversies whatsoever here...
3. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth, Bloodbath)
(https://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2844/03mikaelakerfeldt.jpg)
Cleared the fog that was veiled around me
And blurred my sights
Suddenly I'm no longer aching
To honor my plights.
Rising moon and my skin is peeling
Past undone
Suddenly I can't justify
What I had become.
Quite interestingly, I've known him the longest on the list after only James Hetfield, Bruce Dickinson and Bono. Opeth was a band I really liked, mainly for its first two albums, nine years ago (yes, I'm serious), and what makes it really special is that back then I couldn't stand growling or in fact anything that isn't more or less clean singing. Opeth was the only exception, and the first one. Over time my attitude has changed a lot, but they, or in fact, him, were the first to pave the path.
After having returned to listening to the band after 8 years (no idea why I didn't continue with my interest in it back then), I see much more than back then, obviously. And well, without doubt, Mikael and his vocals is one of the most amazing points of their music. First, like already mentioned, his growling really stands out, and I think even the most kvlt death metal fans who consider Opeth to be its own level of death metal blasphemy, appreciate it. It sounds absolutely POWERFUL, can sound simply dark, can sound really evil, or can sound simply death metal, without the need to look deeper. And on the other hand... he has without doubt one of the most beautiful male voices I have ever heard. I don't think anyone who has heard To Bid You Farewell, Windowpane or, obviously, Atonement can disagree even a bit. I don't know how he can combine the two so well, but he can. There are songs which are absolutely top notch in both styles, like The Baying of The Hounds (which has the best growling vocals I have ever heard, plus the "drown in the deep mire..." part which is probably the most beautifully sad moment on the album), or my favourite The Grand Conjuration, where even the really calm, quiet vocals are capable of scaring the hell out of anyone if listened to at night. I know I still have much to discover, though...
And if I made a separate list for "favourite band frontmen", he would definitely compete for place one. I think no one can disagree. :lol
We are Opeth.
We are from Stockholm.
Which is in Sweden.
Personal highlights:
Black Rose Immortal (Morningrise)
I thought of separate songs but couldn't decide... the entire Ghost Reveries album, with The Baying of The Hounds an inch above the others.
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I'm not a big growl guy but I too like Opeth and it doesn't seem to bother me at all. I think his singing voice is fantastic and a great pic.
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Great choice. Akerfeldt is definitely in my top three too. Amazing voice and I agree, easily the best frontman I have seen live. :hefdaddy
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Great choice :tup
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:metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal :metal
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JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
LaBrie shined on Prophets of war, it's probably his best performance in the last couple of years.
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Åkerfeldt is awesome, and he's also hilarious as a frontman. :lol
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Åkerfeldt finally is revealed!
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Mikael is my #1 :metal
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JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
LaBrie shined on Prophets of war, it's probably his best performance in the last couple of years.
Yup. The song is arguably not the best in the album, but the vocal performance definitely brings it up a notch. I love the part where Petrucci stays with the chords played with acoustic guitar and JLB sings the chorus.
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JLB had a lot of control over "Prophets of War" and its one of the worst songs on the album, so MP's direction has nothing to do with it.
LaBrie shined on Prophets of war, it's probably his best performance in the last couple of years.
Yup. The song is arguably not the best in the album, but the vocal performance definitely brings it up a notch. I love the part where Petrucci stays with the chords played with acoustic guitar and JLB sings the chorus.
"...a change from what it's beeeeennnnn"
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I feel overall SC is a very strong album vocal-wise, it stands out among the recent ones. It was really tough for me to choose highlights for him without going for the "two-three songs from each album" thing, so I limited it to the necessary minimum. ITPOE Pt. 2 is among them, it's just full of incredible vocal moments.
Now, probably someone you have expected. I don't know how many agree. I know I've had no doubts since the beginning. [I was tempted to write the number as "02" without the dot. :lol]
2. Mariusz Duda (Riverside, Lunatic Soul)
(https://img52.imageshack.us/img52/6519/02mariuszduda.jpg)
So welcome to the no man’s land
Where you can finally face yourself
Fear of feeling something real is your friend now
There’s no need to run.
So welcome to the no man’s land
Where nothing is as it seems
Mysteries hidden from you six feet under
And six feet above.
My previous "bold statement" was at #12, so ten places later, let me give you another one: if he doesn't become one of the most appreciated progressive vocalists within the next decade, I'll lose all that's left of my faith in humanity (or its part called "progressive rock/metal fans"... wait, I have any faith in them? Never mind). One of the most amazing examples of how quickly one can learn and progress, and if vocals such as those on Out of Myself are the starting point of one's career... Well, that's something. Something incredible. The wide variety of different skills and abilities he has displayed since then is simply impressive, and it seems to be growing with every single year and every single album - and we're past the fourth one. And after the next ten years?...
I don't even know where to begin, to be honest... His voice can sound so warm and beautiful that an angel's voice may sound rough and unpleasant in comparison, and at other times when more power is needed, some extreme metal vocalists can hide in a forest in comparison and stay there ("TELL ME YOUR LIE!!!" - anyone who doesn't get chills during this?). Either way, he can express an incredible amount of emotion in his voice, and there's a wide variety of those in their (and his own) music. Everything from calmness, through melancholy, sadness, strength, joy, to frustration and anger, sounds equally real and he can handle each and every one of those with equal perfection - he has enough vocal skills to pull it off. And finally, there's no need for him to have any words to get it right (even though he may be my favourite lyricist, especially on Rapid Eye Movement) - his skill of singing without any words and using vocals almost like an instrument is just incredible. I think it's used best on REM (Schizophrenic Prayer, and the whispers which literally made me wonder if I'm hearing voices) and also on his own Lunatic Soul, but then, there's the Hybrid Times outro. If you've heard it, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you won't understand without hearing it...
Personal highlights:
Second Life Syndrome, Before (Second Life Syndrome)
Schizophrenic Prayer, Through The Other Side, Ultimate Trip (Rapid Eye Movement)
Hybrid Times outro (Anno Domini High Definition)
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One of my favorites. :tup
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Gildenlow incoming, and on the spot he should be.
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Gildenlow incoming, and on the spot he should be.
As a person that just found out and became a fan of POS a few weeks ago, I agree
*whispering* mizzl the best
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If you don't put me on nr1, I will rape your cat with a bongo.
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If Gildenlöw ends up as nr1, i guessed 4/4 right, which means Darkes7 owes me a cake. ;)
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Gildenlow incoming, and on the spot he should be.
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Gildenlow must be at 1, or otherwise Darkes7 should be put in a mental institution
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Cool thread. Vocal has always been the main element I look into when judging a band.
I like James a lot, too. Though he's not a vocalist with 5 to 6 octaves, his voice is just so :metal
Not a single person on this list has or has had 5 or 6 octaves. I can only think of hand full of people that have that kind of range.
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Anyone who would put Gildenlow at 1 should be put in a mental institution.
Fixed that for ya. There, that's much better. :biggrin: :hat
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Cool thread. Vocal has always been the main element I look into when judging a band.
I like James a lot, too. Though he's not a vocalist with 5 to 6 octaves, his voice is just so :metal
Not a single person on this list has or has had 5 or 6 octaves. I can only think of hand full of people that have that kind of range.
Yeah where the fuck is Eric Adams on this god damned list?????
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Gildenlow must be at 1, or otherwise Darkes7 should be put in a mental institution
this
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"...a change from what it's beeeeennnnn"
Whoa, such an awesome bit! LaBrie rules... :metal
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Gildenlol FTW.
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Well, I see you consider place 1 obvious - and I can see where you're coming from, but well, I think you didn't expect this. I knew right from the very beginning it's going to be very controversial, but... let's go, I guess.
So, the winner is...
1. Rick Astley (solo)
We're no strangers to love
You know the rules and so do I
A full commitment's what I'm thinking of
You wouldn't get this from any other guy
I just wanna tell you how I'm feeling
Gotta make you understand
Never gonna give you up,
Never gonna let you down,
Never gonna run around and desert you,
Never gonna make you cry,
Never gonna say goodbye,
Never gonna tell a lie and hurt you
I know you're surprised... But well, I came across his work by a complete accident a while ago, because of one of the famous "rickrolls", and I was absolutely impressed. I had never heard such an incredible, deep voice in my life, and especially in more popular music. The incredible emotion in his songs and lyrical mastery grabbed me immediately, and as you can see, he remains my favourite vocalist from that moment. Even though very different than most bands/artists I listen to, his songs are among my absolute favourites (though you may have not noticed it, as we haven't had a thread about him) and I believe no one comes close to this level of musical genius.
It's just a pity he hasn't recorded anything new for a long time - but at least it's good to see his glory lives forever.
Personal highlights:
Everything.
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<---- Speechless
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:clap:
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Darkes, this is by far the greatest thing you have ever done.
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Darkes, this is by far the greatest thing you have ever done.
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Darkes, this is by far the greatest thing you have ever done.
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That was by far the best Rick Roll ever done, bravo good sir BRAVO!
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Darkes, this is by far the greatest thing you have ever done.
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Darkes, this is by far the greatest thing you have ever done.
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:rollin
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Damn you Darkes7. I scrubed him from my 80's MTV mind. Damn you. :D
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:rollin :rollin :rollin
Thank you. :lol Although I have to say the whole credit for the idea goes to my friend, who also follows the thread, and gave this idea to me. I considered actually putting Mizzl here, but when I heard this, I knew I must do it. :lol On a side note, I don't have anything against Rick Astley himself. He actually has a nice, unusual voice and single-handedly owns 99% of modern pop. :p [I'm entirely serious this time.]
Now, this is the serious and final place one. Sorry for keeping you waiting so long. Ladies and gentlemen...
LET'S DISCO!
1. Daniel Gildenlöw (Pain of Salvation)
(https://img130.imageshack.us/img130/4085/01danielgildenlow.jpg)
I am the waking child.
I, the wayward son of a mountain lake
I set myself on fire
To breed the Perfect Element.
Will I ever walk again?
Falling far beyond the point of no return
Nothing to become and nothing left to burn...
The above list has changed several times (around ten, I think), with some changes being rather significant, but he has been here, right at place one, since the beginning. In fact, I can say he has been here for at least two years - since I got an album called The Perfect Element in my hands, an album which was something entirely new for me in many ways. Later only strengthtened by Remedy Lane and "rediscovering" of Scarsick, there is no way he could be anywhere else (I thought of a cleverer No Way reference, but couldn't think of anything decent, sorry :P).
Reasons? Well... Let's begin with such things as his vocal range itself - I find it hard to believe it's exactly the same person singing Of Dust and, say, Disco Queen. As you probably have noticed already, it's not pure technical singing skills that impress me the most, but in his case, well, they are impressive. Then, I've mentioned several times here I appreciate versatility. Other than, guess what, normal singing, name another vocalist who is capable of rapping better than most "real" rappers (Scarsick and Spitfall are vocal masterpieces - if someone disagrees, name time and place of the lightsaber duel), screams that make you wonder if that is actually possible (what should have been... you know), or even as far as faking female singing (LET'S DISCO! :lol). He does all of that with absolute perfection and honestly, I can't recall any Pain of Salvation song I do not like vocal-wise. Even otherwise average songs like Second Love or Mrs Modern Mother Mary gain a lot because of his singing. I don't know how he does that...
And finally, the most important reason, something nobody can argue with, I believe: emotion. Honest, true emotion in his singing, that makes the music sound entirely real. It can sound beautiful and comforting (like my beloved and seriously underappreciated Morning on Earth...). It can sound extremely angry. It can sound depressed. And finally, it can completely tear apart with strong emotion, in a way no one else can do, or even come close. I have never heard anything like his singing in Idioglossia, The Perfect Element, Undertow or Enter Rain in my life. I don't think I ever will.
Personal highlights:
Morning on Earth, Idioglossia, The Perfect Element (The Perfect Element)
Undertow, Beyond The Pale (Remedy Lane)
Leaving Entropia (12:5)
Enter Rain (Scarsick)
And warm welcome to our new guest here...
Sisters (Road Salt One)
This is the end!
Nothing left to say...
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Oh man, it would have been so much better to just end it at Rick Astly. We all knew Gildenlow would win, but it would have made the entire thread seem like a planned ahead build up.
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How do you know it still isn't?
:neverusethis:
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I understand he's a very talented vocalist, I just don't seem to like his voice as much as most people seem to.
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I understand he's a very talented vocalist, but blah blah blah blah I have no taste.
Fix'd :P
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I understand he's a very talented vocalist, I just don't seem to like his voice as much as most people seem to.
You're listening wrong.
But honestly, he wouldn't be my number 1, but he'd be in my Top 5 easily. Number 1 will always be Freddie Mercury.
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His scream is the only scream I truly appreciate. That :metal but artistic scream.
He has a lot of my favorite vocal moments, and it's hard to name all of them. Definitely in my top 5. Although my top 1 will always be Russell Allen.
Edit: I'm disappointed that Plains of Dawn is not in your highlights.
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By the way, no girls on your list?
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"Autumn came with knowledge, came with ego came with pride
Autumn came with shamefulness for the things we could not hide
Winter came with anger and a bitter taste of fate
Winter came with fear for the things we could not escape"
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Ah, back when DG wrote amazing lyrics.
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Not surprised about DG, though i'm not a huge fan of him myself. :>
Now... i got 4/4, i think darkes7 owes me some cookies. :neverusethis:
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Nice nr1, I love DG!
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I understand he's a very talented vocalist, I just don't seem to like his voice as much as most people seem to.
He's definitely a "love or hate" type of vocalist, I guess, and you may be one of the few caught in the middle. :lol Really, his singing style is seriously unusual and I can see why someone can not like it.
Edit: I'm disappointed that Plains of Dawn is not in your highlights.
Sorry, I'll see if it changes when I listen to Entropia ;)
By the way, no girls on your list?
Amanda Palmer alone, I know and I was aware of it from the beginning. To clarify - I really like female vocalists, it's just a wider musical problem. It has a potential of becoming a "wall of text", so I don't know if you're interested. :lol
Ah, back when DG wrote amazing lyrics.
With examples such as Sisters and Road Salt, that's not the past at all.
Not surprised about DG, though i'm not a huge fan of him myself. :>
Now... i got 4/4, i think darkes7 owes me some cookies. :neverusethis:
:lol Yes, I admit, when I saw that post I was completely like "damn it!". Although if you know what I listen to it wasn't that hard to predict from #7 onwards.
And the cookies should be made by me? I can give it a try but I don't guarantee you'll survive. :biggrin:
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"Sisters" is gorgeous. Glad you've made it one of your highlights.
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Oh man, it would have been so much better to just end it at Rick Astly.
Especially since he's the better choice.
/obvious troll
DISCLAIMER: Painfully uninformed to be taken seriously.