Top 10 Best Power Metal Singers

1. Hansi Kürsch

   

   Hansi Kürsch (born Hans Jürgen Kürsch on August 10, 1966) is the lead singer, lyricist, co-composer, and former bassist of the German power metal band Blind Guardian. He has cited Freddie Mercury as a major influence and often creates rich, overlapping choir effects by overdubbing his own voice multiple... read more

   Happy to see him at #1 - he deserves that. Not only for his stellar vocal skills but also for his hard work. Who else records individually 100 vocal harmony lines (vocal tracks) per song?

   WAY too unknown. After checking YouTube videos, I can say so for sure. Blind Guardian songs should have 15-20+ million views at least.

   Most versatile voice in power metal. He's two notes below any of the best and a full octave on the lower notes.

2. Michael Kiske

   

   Michael Kiske (born January 24, 1968) is a German singer best known as the former lead vocalist of the power metal band Helloween.

   He fronted Helloween during their rise to international prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing his distinctive high-range voice to albums such... read more

   Eagle Fly Free! No one is close to Kiske on the high-pitched notes.

   Not only is he one of the most talented power metal singers, but his voice also seems smoother and more pleasant to hear than that of other power metal singers.

   *Should be number 1.*

   He is "The voice." He should be at the top of the list.

3. Roy Khan

   

   Roy Sætre Khantatat, known professionally as Roy Khan or simply Khan, is a Norwegian singer-songwriter. He was the lead vocalist for the symphonic power metal band Kamelot from 1997 until his departure in 2011.

   During his tenure, he co-wrote most of the band's songs with guitarist and founder... read more

   Best by far. He conveys so much emotion. Nobody comes close. He stays away from aimless wailing, unlike most of the other singers on this list.

   He sings with so much passion and emotion, and he has a big vocal range. Definitely the best singer in the metal scene.

   "The voice of God." The most passionate singer you'll ever hear. No other can convey emotions like Roy does.

4. Ralf Scheepers

   

   Ralf Scheepers is the lead vocalist of the German heavy metal band Primal Fear. He is known for his high-pitched, tenor-like singing voice and often uses shrieks similar to those of Rob Halford from Judas Priest. His vocal range spans nearly four octaves in the modal register, which also includes powerful... read more

5. Tobias Sammet

   

   Tobias Sammet (born November 21, 1977) is a German metal musician best known as the vocalist and primary songwriter for the power metal band Edguy. He is also the founder, lead singer, and principal creative force behind the metal opera project Avantasia.... read more

   He's in his own league. He might not have the best voice, but so many years of Avantasia and singing with the best of them have certainly paid off. He gets better and better with every iteration.

   While he does not have the most "unique" voice, his vocals are extraordinary and clean. After 20 years, he seems to keep getting better!

6. ZP Theart

   

   ZP De Villiers Theart is a South African singer and songwriter, currently the lead vocalist for Skid Row. He first gained recognition as the original singer for the British power metal band DragonForce. Theart performed on their first three albums before leaving the band in 2010.

   Isn't he a power metal singer? I know he doesn't have powerful vocals like Hansi or Michael, but his voice is good.

   Hansi and ZP are both great. However, I like Hansi's screaming more, and for slow vocals, I prefer ZP's voice.

   Listen to Inhuman Rampage and tell me he shouldn't be number one.

7. Fabio Lione

   

   Fabio Tordiglione is an Italian singer and lyricist who has performed with many music bands, including Rhapsody of Fire, Labyrinth, Ayreon, Angra, Vision Divine, Hollow Haze, Kaledon, Ancient Bards, and Athena. He is best known as the longtime lead vocalist of Rhapsody of Fire, contributing to their... read more

   He has a great vocal range and an awesome, very emotional way of singing. Moreover, he is amazing live! Should be number 1.

   He's one of the best! He can hit higher notes, lower notes (check out Emerald Sword live in Canada on YouTube), and more. He should at least be No. 2.

   Fabio has an impressive vocal range. His voice is wonderful, and he puts a lot of emotion into his singing. He should be number 1.

8. Joakim Broden

   

   Joakim "Jocke" Brodén is a Swedish-Czech singer and songwriter who is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and occasional guitarist of the heavy metal band Sabaton. He and bassist Pär Sundström formed the band in 1999. Sabaton is known for its lyrics focused on historical warfare and battles.

   Joakim's lower vocal range sets Sabaton apart from other power metal bands and many metal bands in general. He never resorts to high-pitched screams or death growls, instead putting raw power behind clean vocals to both tell the stories and convey the emotion of the heroes and horrors of war.

   Whether it's the unstoppable might of Ghost Division, the mournful lament of Cliffs of Gallipoli, or the grand remembrance that is The End Of The War To End All Wars, Joakim always drives home the point of whatever he sings.

9. Ronnie James Dio

   

   Dio was an American heavy metal band formed in 1982 by vocalist Ronnie James Dio after he left Black Sabbath. The band was also co-founded by drummer Vinny Appice, who had played with Dio in Black Sabbath. Dio released several acclaimed albums, including Holy Diver and The Last in Line, and remained... read more

   If we consider only technical vocal skills, Dio is #3 after Kiske and Hansi. But if we take into account the overall influence and importance, Dio is definitely #1.

   I see no reason why he is not at #1. He definitely had an amazing voice and a big influence on the whole metal scene.

10. Andre Matos

    

    André Coelho Matos was a Brazilian vocalist, pianist and composer. He was involved in the heavy metal bands Viper, Angra and Shaaman. He later launched a highly successful solo career with the 2007 release of his album Time to Be Free.

    His technique and emotional singing were incomparable. RIP Andre, your highs have just reached the sky.

    The best South American singer (Brazil) and one of the top power metal singers.

    Best vocal range ever. Will be missed forever!

The Newcomers
11. ?

    Nils Molin

12. ?

    Christopher Bowes

    
The Contenders

13. Jon Oliva

    

    John Nicholas Oliva, known as Jon Oliva, is an American composer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer. He co-founded the metal band Savatage and was a founding member of the rock opera group Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Oliva is known for his wide vocal range, capable of styles ranging from clean to raspy... read more

14. Bruce Dickinson

    

    Paul Bruce Dickinson (born August 7, 1958) is an English musician, airline pilot, and broadcaster. He's best known as the lead singer of Iron Maiden and for his solo career.

    Outside music, Dickinson worked as a commercial pilot for Astraeus Airlines and flew Iron Maiden's converted charter aircraft... read more

15. Marc Hudson

    

    Marc Hudson, born February 11, 1987, is a British singer, songwriter, and musician. He became the lead vocalist of the power metal band DragonForce in 2011, replacing previous singer ZP Theart. Hudson has contributed to several DragonForce albums and tours, helping to shape the band's evolving sound... read more

    I'd rank him above ZP. He has a better tone and a fuller range. Marc is also better live.

    In this list, ZP Theart is the #2, but Hudson has higher notes and lower notes too. I think he has a better tone for power metal.

16. Matt Barlow

    

    Matthew "Matt" Barlow is an American heavy metal singer and former police officer. He was the lead singer for Iced Earth during the 1990s and 2000s.

    After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Barlow left music to become a police officer and serve his community. He returned to music in 2007 and is currently... read more

    Iced Earth is the most underrated metal band of all time, and Matt Barlow is the most underrated vocalist.

17. Tarja Turunen

    

    Tarja Soile Susanna Turunen-Cabuli (born August 17, 1977) is a Finnish singer-songwriter and soprano with a vocal range spanning approximately three octaves.

    She studied singing at Finland's Sibelius Academy and Germany's Hochschule für Musik Karlsruhe. She's best known as the former lead vocalist... read more

    She's a trained opera singer who does metal. Absolutely fantastic.

18. Elisa Martin

19. Tony Kakko

    

    Toni Kristian "Tony" Kakko is a Finnish musician, composer, and vocalist. He's been the frontman, primary songwriter, and creative force behind the power metal band Sonata Arctica since its founding in 1996.

    Under his leadership, Sonata Arctica released multiple albums beginning with Ecliptica... read more

    You may compare the singers' studio album performances. Try listening to Tony's live performance, like the live album For the Sake of Revenge (2006). Then compare with some live performances of Blind Guardian. It's a clear victory for Tony.

    Best power metal vocalist! His live performances sound fantastic. Insane range. This man's a genius!

    The best song to hear what he's capable of would probably be News Travel Fast, White Pearls Black Oceans, or Don't Say a Word.

    Tony is love.

    Tony is live.

    Tony has better vocals than 85% of all metal singers in the world.

20. Timo Kotipelto

    

    Timo Antero Kotipelto is the vocalist of the Finnish power metal band Stratovarius and is the creator and vocalist of the power metal band Kotipelto. In addition to his work with these bands, he has contributed to various metal projects and is known for his distinct tenor voice. He has been active in... read more

    Kotipelto's voice was born for power metal. He and the melodies from Stratovarius songs bring so much power and also a healing magic that no other band can give.

    Pftt, Kotipelto's got more talent than all the guys on this list put together!

21. Marko Hietala

    

    Marko Tapani "Marco" Hietala is a Finnish heavy metal vocalist, bassist, and songwriter. He's best known for his tenure with Nightwish from 2001 to 2021 and for founding the band Tarot.

    Hietala's deep, gritty vocals and melodic bass work defined much of Nightwish's sound during their symphonic... read more

    Some of his best works are in his personal band, Tarot.

22. Alessio Garavello

    

    Alessio Garavello is an Italian-born vocalist and guitarist. He is currently the frontman of the London-based hard rock band A New Tomorrow. Previously, he performed as the lead vocalist for power metal bands including Power Quest and Arthemis.

23. Eric Adams

    

    Louis Marullo (born July 12, 1952), known professionally as Eric Adams, is an American singer who has been the frontman of the heavy metal band Manowar since its inception in 1980. Previously, he sang for the group Looks, which also included childhood friend and future Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio. His... read more

    This guy is absolutely underrated.

    He is known for his mind-blowing sustain: 19 seconds live (Manowar - Hail and Kill). His range is very good, and his voice is very powerful.

    Manowar was one of the first power metal bands. Maybe they annoy some metal fans with that "we play true metal," but you have to take the context of this into account: the glam metal scene in the 80s. I agree, they were not glam metal, so they were "true" metal.

    Criminally underrated vocalist. Such powerful delivery, and he can hit a huge range of tones.

24. Matt Smith

25. Jarkko Ahola

    

    Jarkko Kalevi Ahola (born June 7, 1977) is a Finnish singer, bassist, and composer. He is best known as the vocalist, bass player, and one of the three songwriters for the power metal band Teräsbetoni, which formed in 2002. In 2008, he launched a solo project called Ahola and released an eponymous album... read more

    Jarkko belongs in the top 5! His vocal range is something like three and a half octaves, and his high notes are truly impressive. He can sing almost anything, including opera. It's too bad he's not so well known outside Finland - he deserves to be more famous.

    Powerful, beautiful, and divine voice. Great range. Impressive sustain - he can hold a note for 14-15 seconds, which puts him in the same league as Michael Kiske (Helloween), Eric Adams (Manowar), and Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear).

    Try:

    Teräsbetoni - Pyhä maa (3:15)

    Northern Kings - Don't Bring Me Down (intro scream and 2:55-3:05)

    Also, try one of Ahola's live performances in Viiala, the last stop of his X-Mas charity tour. Copy and paste into the YouTube window:

    Ave Maria -- J. Ahola -- 8.12.2013

    His Ave Maria (live!) reveals his capacity to be an opera singer, too. The second half is more impressive (after 2:45), especially towards the end.

26. Daniel Heiman

    

    Daniel Heiman (born June 11, 1974) is a Swedish power metal singer. He is most famous for his time in Lost Horizon, where he performed on their acclaimed albums. After leaving Lost Horizon, he recorded an album with the band Crystal Eyes and later founded the band Heed.

    There is no other sweet, melodic, and powerful voice with such a huge range, especially in the high pitches.

    It's so hard to do that he, like Kiske, preferred to accommodate in a more usual range, doing what others find difficult, simply with no effort.

    Daniel will be a legend for Lost Horizon and Heed, but for nothing more. He is wasting himself in bands like Lavett and similar ones.

    The third Lost Horizon album with Daniel should be a present that the world deserves.

    As a professional singer who has been studying singing for more than a decade, I can promise that he is just the best singer that exists right now, at least for power metal.

27. Kai Hansen

    

    Kai Michael Hansen is a heavy metal guitarist and vocalist. Hansen is the founder, lead guitarist, and vocalist of the power metal band Gamma Ray. He is also the co-founder and former member of the German metal band Helloween and played a major role in the development of the European power metal genre... read more

    I like his singing more than Michael Kiske's.