Top 10 Best Screamers in Music

The Top Ten
1 Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) Chester Charles Bennington (March 20th, 1976 - July 20th, 2017) was an American musician, singer, songwriter and actor, best known for being the lead singer of Linkin Park. Before he was known for Linkin Park, Bennington was the lead singer of post-grunge act Grey Daze who was heavily inspired by Stone... read more

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.

2 Danny Worsnop (Asking Alexandria) Danny Robert Worsnop is an English musician, singer and songwriter, prominently known as the lead vocalist of rock bands Asking Alexandria and We Are Harlot.

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.

3 Mitch Lucker (Suicide Silence) Mitchell Adam "Mitch" Lucker was an American musician and lead singer for the deathcore band Suicide Silence.

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.

4 Oli Sykes (Bring Me the Horizon) Oliver Scott "Oli" Sykes is a British musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the band Bring Me the Horizon. He also founded the apparel company Drop Dead Clothing.

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.

5 Corey Taylor (Slipknot) Corey Todd Taylor was born in December 8, 1973. He is an American musician, author, and actor best known as the lead singer and lyricist of the Nu-metal band Slipknot and hard rock/alternative metal band Stone Sour.

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.

6 Chris Motionless (Motionless in White)

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.

7 Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel)

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.

8 M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold)

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.

9 Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) David Randall "Randy" Blythe is the vocalist and lyricist of American heavy metal band Lamb of God and side-project band Halo of Locusts.

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.

10 Jake Luhrs (August Burns Red)

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.

The Newcomers

? Courtney LaPlante
? Joe Badolato
The Contenders
11 Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) Timothy Peter Lambesis is an American extreme metal musician and producer, best known as the founding member and lead vocalist of American metalcore band As I Lay Dying.

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.

12 Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) Kurt Cobain was born February 20, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington. In 1987, he started the grunge band Nirvana, which became one of the most successful bands ever. He was a talented yet troubled grunge performer. Kurt Cobain became a rock legend in the 1990s with his band. He committed suicide at his... read more

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.

13 Matty Mullins (Memphis May Fire)

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!

14 Austin Carlile (Of Mice & Men) Austin Robert Carlile is an American former musician and current baseball coach from Pensacola, Florida. He is the former lead vocalist of Attack Attack! and Of Mice & Men. After leaving Of Mice & Men, he went to coach youth baseball in Costa Rica.

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

15 Matt Tuck (Bullet for My Valentine)

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.

16 Jonathan Davis (Korn) Jonathan Howsmon Davis, also known as JD and JDevil, is an American musician best known as the leading vocalist and frontman of the nu metal band Korn.

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.

17 Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth) Lars Mikael Åkerfeldt is a Swedish musician, prominently known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of progressive death metal band Opeth, as well as being the former vocalist of death metal supergroup Bloodbath for three albums up until 2012... read more
18 Winston McCall (Parkway Drive) Winston Thomas McCall is an Australian singer-songwriter and the lead vocalist of the metalcore band Parkway Drive and the hardcore punk band Rain Dogs.

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.

19 Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan)

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.

20 Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada)

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.

21 Chino Moreno (Deftones) Chino Moreno is an American musician. He is best known as the lead vocalist and contributing guitarist of Deftones.

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.

22 Angela Gossow (Arch Enemy) Angela Nathalie Gossow is a German vocalist, best known as the former lead vocalist for the Swedish melodic death metal band Arch Enemy.

How the hell is she ranked at 189? She is one of, if not the best, female screamer. Period.

23 Phil Anselmo (Pantera/Down/Superjoint Ritual) Philip Hansen "Phil" Anselmo is an American musician who is best known as the former lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Pantera. He currently is the vocalist of heavy metal bands Down and Superjoint Ritual.

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.

24 Benjamin Burnley (Breaking Benjamin) Benjamin Jackson Burnley IV is an American musician, composer, and producer, best known as the founder and frontman of the American rock band Breaking Benjamin.

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!

25 James Brown James Joseph Brown was an American singer, songwriter, dancer, musician, record producer and bandleader. A progenitor of funk music and a major figure of 20th century popular music and dance, he is often referred to as the "Godfather of Soul".
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