Top 10 Best Screamers in Music
I think one of the most amazing things about Chester's screams is the power-length ratio. And One, WTH_You, and Across The Line all feature 10-second screams. The legendary 18-second scream of MISERY in Given Up goes without saying. Crawling, No More Sorrow, and War all have 7-second screams. That performance of Wish featured a 15-second scream (live, mind you: just something he felt like doing, because he could). And that's not even mentioning the incredible screams he lets loose every night on Linkin Park's relentless touring schedule. Chester Bennington is just a natural screamer, and no one else can really compare.
I love almost every single screamer on this list, and those that I don't are just those that I've never taken the time to listen to. But Chester is hands-down the greatest screamer in the world. "Given Up", "QWERTY", "No More Sorrow", "Victimized", "Hit The Floor", "One Step Closer"... Just a few examples of his brilliantly powerful screaming voice. Like I said, I have a mad respect for many of those listed below, particularly Danny Worsnop, Kurt Cobain, and Corey Taylor, among others, but Chester, to me, is absolutely unrivaled.
Danny is the man. I have listened to a ton of metal, and while others can come close, in my head, no one can quite match all the notes he brings to the table. Personally, I actually dislike Danny from a professional point of view. The last album he was with them, he didn't really participate in the creation of it, and it suffered because of that. But Stand Up and Scream is amazing. In particular, the high note at the end of Closure is just insane.
All these singers are great. I'm actually happy with how well-profiled and accurate this list is to my own opinions. Also, I will say this: towards the end of his time with AA, he changed his voice to be more careful with the health of his vocal chords, and I do feel it took a lot out of his performance.
Danny is by far the best screamer on this list. Not only does he scream better than most people, but he also sings better. He is the only person I know who can scream lows, mids, and highs, while maintaining a gigantic singing range. In terms of overall vocal ability, the only person who comes close to him is Corey Taylor. In terms of screaming alone, the only one who comes close to him is Oli Sykes. However, Worsnop surpasses Sykes by a long shot because Sykes is not what he used to be. I feel that Danny definitely deserves the number one spot much more than anyone else on this list.
The best of the best, truly amazing. He inspired me to start screaming myself. I never gave up, even in times of illness. I never went a day without screaming. When I heard he died, I was devastated. But it only inspired me further to be the best I can be. I think it's complete BS that Mitch Lucker isn't #1 but #18. This legend deserves to be a heck of a lot higher on the best screamer list, at least in the top ten. Furthermore, it's BS that Danny Worsnop is "quote un-quote" better than him. Seriously? If someone feels that Oli Sykes is better than him, I can somewhat understand, but Danny Worsnop? Really? I'm not saying he sucks, but he shouldn't be #2. That's what I'm saying. I wish people would pay this legend a little more respect, but again, best screamer who has ever lived. Period.
In all honesty, vocalists like Oli Sykes, Chris Motionless, and Ricky Hoover are amazing, but Mitch completely beats every metal singer I've ever heard at all screams. His highs are piercing and smooth, and his growls are beyond godly. Aside from when he had vocal distortion, he sounded flawless live. Mitch was, is, and will always be a legend. He is my idol. Without a doubt, Suicide Silence is the best deathcore and metal band ever. Rest in peace, Mitch, you are missed.
Oli's voice has worn down as his technique and skills improved. This is sad, as I've watched him grow as an artist since their first EP was released. It's normal for an artist to strain his or her voice occasionally, but with all his constant performing, recording, and practicing, "occasionally" has turned into "a lot". Adding to this his drug addiction, and who knows what other personal problems he may have that impact how he performs, Oli is hurting his voice. It's very likely he's developed maybe one or two vocal nodules, and I seriously can't bear to see him like this. His screams are, even with the damage, absolutely superb, but I'd rather have him take a break than continue hurting himself.
Bring Me the Horizon is a band that I back in most aspects when it comes to screaming. Oli is probably the only screamer that I would be able to listen to on his own, with no band backing him. I honestly don't understand how someone from Linkin Park is on this list, or any other person from a band that isn't even a screaming band, but I shall digress. Most do have extremely good vocals, so I can't bash them for that. I just think that Oli goes above and beyond the call of duty by being able to sing like an angel and scream like a demon. Each noise makes me want more like I haven't before.
Corey Taylor is an amazing screamer, all in all. He can growl, sing softly, sing with force, and put emotion into his lyrics. He is also incredibly resilient, can hold screams for extended amounts of time, and is only inferior to Mike Patton in terms of range. Yes, people, Corey Taylor's range is almost half an octave larger than Freddie Mercury's! So, technique-wise, Corey Taylor should be on top, no doubt.
This list should get a rework with Corey Taylor and Chester Bennington as the top 2. I mean, the others are good, I should say, but when Corey Taylor screams, he SCREAMS. He screams like he's literally dying. The only other singer who could scream with the same amount of passion, pain, hatred, and rage is Chester Bennington.
Corey Taylor has a scream that stands out from other screamers. His sounds more real, more angry, and he does all this with a mask on. He's also one of the only singers I've heard that can switch from singing to screaming without pausing in between. Chester Bennington is the only other singer that can really do this.
I love Linkin Park and have been listening to them for years. Chester's vocals, when singing and screaming, are excellent, but Chris can scream in so many ways, it's overwhelming. The way he transitions from lows to mids to highs is amazing, and he even manages to have awesome cleans. The fact that he is only at number 9 on this list, as I'm writing it, is almost offensive, as he deserves to be in at least the top three. He is, by far, the most amazing screamer alive. If you want to know what I'm talking about, check out his band "Motionless in White". Listen to "Fatal" to hear a good example. Or, if you want to go old school, "Immaculate Misconception," "Abigail," and "City Lights" are good starter songs.
I don't know how Chris Motionless is ranked beneath so many people on this list. Probably because Motionless in White is only now starting to gain traction and make their mark in metal. Chris possesses all the qualities that Danny Worsnop from Asking Alexandria has, who is also very talented. However, Chris manages to have an even more diverse range of screams than Danny, featuring epic highs and brutal lows.
In a way, his lows sound like Corey Taylor's "2009" screams - mature and deep with purpose. I know most of you who are into both bands would agree. However, he still manages to sound like Cradle of Filth all the same. But unlike any other screamer I know, he doesn't just do the stereotypical lows and highs. He fills in everything in-between with perfectly pronounced middles. He truly is the best screamer in metal, in my opinion.
I guarantee you're in for goosebumps with the breakdowns of 'Immaculate Misconception' and 'Abigail', or their new material such as screams in "Fatal", "If It's Dead We'll Kill It". To be honest, this applies to 90% of all the songs they have ever made. Chris Motionless just has no faults when it comes to screaming. Name me one, and I'll eat my hat!
M. Shadows may not have the metalcore scream that Danny and Chester have, but his scream can simply demolish those two, especially live. When he screams, you can feel his vocal chords, his accuracy, and rhythm. M. Shadows is #1, and Avenged Sevenfold is an amazing band that will really become big, like Iron Maiden and Metallica, one day.
Chester is alright, but he doesn't have the deep hardcore screaming sound very much. However, Shadows is a master at it. I say Shadows all the way. Listen to "Bat Country" and "Unholy Confessions" if you don't know what a deep scream is.
I think M. Shadows must be number one because he has incredibly high fry screams and can combine distortion and clean voice. Just watch Rock Am Ring 2011 from God Hates Us, Afterlife, Critical Acclaim, Almost Easy, and Live LBC Beast and the Harlot from the lyric "I don't believe in fairytales and no one wants to go to hell...". He's not only screaming. He can rap too!
Phil Bozeman is definitely the best. I've seen half the bands listed live, and Whitechapel kills it as it's recorded, which most guys can't keep that quality going on tour. Especially towards the end of the tour, but you can watch Phil the first show of the tour and the last, and he kills it every time.
His lows are incredible. Probably he isn't the best, that HAS to be Mitch Lucker, but he is sure much better than many of those who are up there. Plus, he did probably the best job at the Mitch Lucker memorial show.
When someone screams so low, you really start to believe he actually is a demon. That's a feeling only Whitechapel fans know.
How is Jake not number 1? M. Shadows and Chester don't even scream anymore! Have you guys heard August Burns Red's newest album, Leveler? Jake has improved a lot in his screams. He definitely has the cleanest screams and the best around. He should've been number one.
He has clarity, range, and he just goes hard on every single track. His sound is raw and it carries over live. Most screamers on this list are incomprehensible. Jake brings the whole package.
I don't understand how anyone could say that Linkin Park or Avenged Sevenfold scream, but Jake is definitely one of the best. Number one in my book.
Randy was in the top ten, what happened? Why is Kurt higher? This makes no sense. Tim Lambesis was 10, now 12? Why are bad screamers getting higher rankings than the good ones! At least Chester is still holding the 1 spot, and my favorite screamer, Danny, holding the 2 spot for a long time. Mitch is still holding down three. This makes no sense because Randy and Tim are in their own leagues too.
Randy's voice is so articulate when he screams, one of the few people that can actually make his screaming almost as clear as talking. Also, where the hell is Amon Amarth's singer on this list? Messed up. I think some people on this list are confusing screaming with yelling.
It's not just screaming. A compilation of deep growl and shrill scream. Yes, Chester's the pure screamer, but Randy got the boost and toughness in his voice unlike Chester. Randy's voice is way deeper and heats you up quicker than anyone. Respect to Randy Blythe.
I agree with him being a great screamer, but one that's not listed that I'm upset about is Jon Howard of Threat Signal. He should be right behind this guy in the #2 spot. Tim's vocals are unforgettable, and the same goes for Jon Howard's voice. Listen to them. Great band!
Tim is easily one of the best screamers out there. He has that deep, gritty yell to that pretty high-pitched scream. He can do it all. And he has that nasty death metal growl. In my opinion, it's Tim at 1 and Danny at 2.
Listen to "Paralyzed" and you will be amazed. His screams own all these singers here.
Kurt deserves to be in the top ten. There is no question in my mind. He merits it just for the passion in his vocals. His screams are hard to forget even with two decades gone. It's a damn shame the pressure got to him, contributing to the ending of his passion, art, and life. Kurt could have been so much more than even the great man that he was the day he died. To hear some of his best work with Nirvana, listen to the album Bleach for the screams. Listen to Nevermind for the band's greatest work. If by this point you love the band, listen to their final album In Utero. R.I.P. Kurt Cobain.
Alright, agreed that he was a good screamer, and he screamed in some of his songs. But why do I have to search deeply for his screaming, when Ian Gillan more or less screams in almost all songs? If Kurt Cobain should be in the top 10, then Ian Gillan should be at number 1.
Cobain's screams might not have been high-pitched or long, but they had emotion unlike most other screamers.
Chester Bennington doesn't deserve the number 1 spot. Linkin Park is an okay band, but he's garbage.
Seriously, how have I just had to add him? Forget how awesome his band is (Memphis May Fire), but the dude has an amazing singing voice and one of the best screams I've heard! Seriously, check these dudes out if you haven't already!
I don't want to live on this planet anymore... Matty Mullins should be at least top 5. His screams and growls are really powerful and really, really good! And he is one of the best singers I've ever heard! Check him and Memphis May Fire out, my favorite band of all time, simply amazing!
Matty Mullins is definitely one of the most powerful screamers in existence. It actually sounds like he's nearly blowing his voice box out when he screams. There's so much power and emotion.
He is one of the very few screamers that are completely different from others. He holds a 12 second scream for so long in several of his songs.
For a person that has a heart disease, he sure can go a long way with his high pitch voice.
For a guy who can't death growl he's good. I think his sense of not caring what people think and to just keep going are good qualities. Austin Carlile is one of the best screamers ever.
I think that he deserves to be in the top 10 but yeah.. I don't know... People have different tastes. But I really love Austin Carlile's screaming technique. He is very talented screamer
I believe Matt Tuck deserves to be first. He's really one of the best metalcore vocalists alive. He was amazing in Scream Aim Fire.
Listen to Tears Don't Fall, then vote. You shall soon know the best.
Clear voice while screaming! The best.
Absolute god-like! Even better live than in the studio!
What is that? JD is the best screamer. Listen to Good God, Shoots and Ladders, Blind, and It's On!
He puts so much emotion into his screaming. His growls are awesome as well.
He also has a side project with Porcupine Tree's Steven Wilson known as Storm Corrosion. They released their self titled debut in... read more
Can somebody explain to me how in the hell Winston is number 15 and Chester number 1? He barely even screams anymore in his songs. Hell, even post-hardcore bands do more screams than him. Now, this guy Winston, right here, is the best screamer I have ever witnessed. Watch him live, and you'll know what I'm talking about.
This man can do high-pitched screams to vicious growls effortlessly. And Chester Bennington's band is not even metal or screamo, for God's sake. Additionally, Winston is a lyrical master as he shows metalcore's roots in punk's hardcore.
How does the best end up at 44? I've seen most of the screamers live, and Winston smashes them all. He keeps improving, and his vocal range in screams is unmatched. Ollie Sykes and Danny Worsnop come close, but seriously... Chester Bennington can't scream. He sounds like an angry possum.
This guy has a fantastic voice. He does many different screams, and he can also sing very well. His voice goes fantastically with the incredibly harsh sounding and chaotic guitars and drums of The Dillinger Escape Plan. He does fantastic live performances, and he also did guest vocals on the song "The Feast" by Genghis Tron (another fantastic band if you've never heard them before).
Listen to the song "Farewell, Mona Lisa" and try to tell me that I'm wrong.
I don't understand why Chino isn't on the list. Chino is one of the better screamers in all music and one of the best musicians of the past 20 years. He deserves to be up at the top with Chester Bennington and far, far above any of the scenecore artists people have voted up at the top. Chester and Chino are two of the best screamers, and I'm surprised no one added Chino before now!
I absolutely think Chino should be higher up, like top 10 at least. Many of the singers in the top are metalcore singers (not Chester, love Chester) and maybe haven't heard much of Deftones and Chino's distinctive scream.
Wow, awfully low on the list.
The reason he isn't ranked higher is that he sings more than he screams. If he were a scream-only artist, he would be up there with the best, where he belongs.
I don't see how he is below Danny Worsnop and Oli Sykes, in my opinion. Oli's screams sound the same. He doesn't hit lows, and he can barely do highs. The same applies to Danny, who uses equalizers to make them sound the way they do. Mike doesn't, and he can scream live just the same as on his albums. I don't know. I just think he should be a little higher on the list. He has experience, taking his band from being a joke to making an album that hit the top 40 in Rolling Stone. It's an accomplishment. Oli and Danny haven't done that yet, now have they?
I'm being elitist... I know.
This dude can scream, though to some it seems as if his scream is fading. It was a personal choice that he decided to go with a more "live" sound on his newer albums, so he didn't feel like he was cheating his audience. In saying this, he has a diverse, unique scream, and I think he is underrated. But this is a forum with a lot of widespread opinions. Take a look at the "With Roots Above and Branches Below" album. This, in my opinion, best shows his power and stamina to stretch the limits of his vocal cords.
How the hell is she ranked at 189? She is one of, if not the best, female screamer. Period.
So gutted that Phil is so far down on this list. His screaming is insane, especially on pretty much every song on The Great Southern Trendkill (the title track and War Nerve come to mind). Plus, although it's irrelevant to a "best screamers" list, on tracks like Cemetery Gates, he proves he can sing incredibly well. My runner-ups would be Corey Taylor, Marilyn Manson, Alexi Laiho, and Zack de la Rocha (who isn't even on this list! Listen to Freedom at the end!).
How could anyone forget Phil Anselmo? Look up Superjoint Ritual's Ozena and tell me if he shouldn't be higher.
Anyone who did not choose him knows nothing about metal or music.
His screams aren't thin and weak or low and hidden, but perfectly in between. And he screams at the right time, not for full choruses or songs.
Seen them live three times, all times the screams were amazing!