Top 10 Best Screamers in Music

When it comes to vocal intensity, few things can compare to a well-executed scream.

Some artists have taken the raw energy of a scream and turned it into a defining feature of their sound, pushing boundaries and emotions to new heights. Whether it's the high-pitched wail that sends shivers down your spine or the guttural roar that shakes your core, these musicians know how to unleash a primal force that can take a song from good to unforgettable.

The Top Ten

Chester Bennington (Linkin Park)

Chester Charles Bennington (March 20, 1976 to July 20, 2017) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist of Linkin Park.
Before he became known for his work with Linkin Park, Bennington was the lead singer of the post-grunge band Grey Daze, which was... 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.

I love almost every single screamer on this list, and the ones I don't are just those I haven't 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" are just a few examples of his brilliantly powerful screaming voice.
Like I said, I have 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.
Mitch Lucker (Suicide Silence)

Mitchell Adam "Mitch" Lucker was an American musician and the lead vocalist for the deathcore band Suicide Silence. He was known for his intense vocal style and energetic stage presence. Lucker died in a motorcycle accident on November 1, 2012.

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 lot higher on the best screamer list, at least in the top ten.
Furthermore, it's BS that Danny Worsnop is "quote unquote" 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.
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. He has also pursued a solo career that blends rock, blues, and country influences. Worsnop rejoined Asking Alexandria in 2016 after a brief hiatus... read more

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 cords, and I do feel it took a lot out of his performance.
Oli Sykes (Bring Me the Horizon)

Oliver Scott "Oli" Sykes is a British musician, best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Bring Me the Horizon. He also founded the alternative clothing brand Drop Dead Clothing. Sykes is recognized for his role in transitioning the band's style from metalcore to a more eclectic mix of electronic... read more

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.
Corey Taylor (Slipknot)

Corey Todd Taylor was born on 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 the hard rock/alternative metal band Stone Sour. Taylor has also published books and appeared in films and on television.... read more

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.
M. Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold)

Matthew Charles Sanders, better known by his stage name M. Shadows, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist, songwriter, and founding member of the American metalcore/alternative metal band Avenged Sevenfold. He is recognized for his versatile vocal range and for helping to shape the... read more

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 cords, 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.
Randy Blythe (Lamb of God)

David Randall "Randy" Blythe is the vocalist and lyricist of the American heavy metal band Lamb of God. He is also involved in the side project band Halo of Locusts. Blythe is known for his intense vocal style and dynamic stage presence.

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, has held 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.

Come on, he has the best metal scream ever. I really don't know why Chester is ranked first. Here is my top ten screamers:
1. Randy Blythe (Lamb of God) - "HE IS THE BEST. IF YOU THINK CHESTER IS THE BEST, YOU'RE WRONG. YOU HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS MAN SCREAM. HAIL TO THE SCREAM KING."
2. Corey Taylor (Slipknot) - "This man has one of the scariest screams and one of the most beautiful voices."
3. Chester Bennington (Linkin Park) - "By the way, Chester can't scream anymore. Sorry, Chester, we all love you."
4. Axl Rose (Guns N' Roses) - "'Welcome to the Jungle' scream is one of the best."
5. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) - "He has the best grunge scream, but not the best scream of all genres."
6. Layne Staley (Alice In Chains) - "For sure the best vocalist, but he's number 6 on my top ten screamers."
7. Michael Jackson - "The only pop artist I listen to. If you think he can't scream, go listen to 'Dirty Diana.' Don't worry, it's a hard rock song."
8. Benjamin Burnley (Breaking Benjamin) - "Just listen to 'Diary of Jane.'"
9. Dave Grohl - "He's really underrated. This man should do a metal song. He has some good screams."
10. Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying) - "I'm not into emo and screamo, but you have to give it to him - he really can scream."
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.
Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel)

Phil Bozeman is the lead vocalist of the deathcore band Whitechapel, which was formed in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2006. He is known for his powerful vocal delivery and emotionally intense lyrics. As of 2025, Whitechapel has released nine studio albums, including Hymns in Dissonance, which came out in... read more

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 at 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.
Tim Lambesis (As I Lay Dying)

Timothy Peter Lambesis (born November 21, 1980) is an American extreme metal musician and record producer. He is best known as the founding member and lead vocalist of the American metalcore band As I Lay Dying.
Lambesis has also been involved in other musical projects, including Austrian Death... read more

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 and 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.

The Newcomers

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Joe Badolato
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Burton C. Bell

Burton Christopher Bell is an American musician and vocalist, best known as the frontman and co-founder of the industrial metal band Fear Factory. He was the only consistent member of the band from its inception in 1989 until his departure in 2020. Bell's vocal style combines melodic singing with aggressive... read more

The Contenders

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 and 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.
Austin Carlile (Of Mice & Men)

Austin Robert Carlile is an American former musician and current youth baseball coach from Pensacola, Florida. He was the lead vocalist for the bands Attack Attack! and Of Mice & Men. After leaving Of Mice & Men in 2016 due to health issues, he moved to Costa Rica, where he began coaching youth baseball... read more

He is one of the very few screamers that are completely different from others. He holds a 12-second scream in several of his songs.
For a person with heart disease, he sure can go a long way with his high-pitched voice.

For a guy who can't death growl, he's good. I think his sense of not caring what people think and just keeping 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 a very talented screamer.
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.

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.
Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)

Kurt Cobain (February 20, 1967 - April 5, 1994) was an American singer, songwriter, and musician, best known as the frontman of the grunge band Nirvana. Founded in 1987, Nirvana achieved global success in the early 1990s, reshaping rock music with albums like Bleach, Nevermind, and In Utero. Cobain died... 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 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 his songs?
If Kurt Cobain should be in the top 10, then Ian Gillan should be at number 1.
Winston McCall (Parkway Drive)

Winston Thomas McCall is an Australian singer-songwriter and the lead vocalist of the metalcore band Parkway Drive. He is also a former member of the hardcore punk band Rain Dogs. Parkway Drive, formed in 2003, has released several critically acclaimed albums and is known for its energetic live performances... 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.
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!
Jonathan Davis (Korn)

Jonathan Howsmon Davis (born January 18, 1971), also known as JD and JDevil, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician best known as the lead vocalist and frontman of the nu metal band Korn, which is considered a pioneering act of the nu metal genre.... read more

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.
Jeremy McKinnon (A Day to Remember)

Jeremy Wade McKinnon is an American musician and producer, best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band A Day to Remember. The band formed in 2003 and gained fame for blending pop punk and metalcore styles. McKinnon has also produced music for other artists in the rock genre.

THE most diverse artist ever. You can literally hear and feel the emotion in his voice, and he can easily transition from soft singing to hardcore screaming his lungs out in the same song!

The most unique and amazing scream ever heard in the history of mankind. It's more like a lion's roar, really.

Chester Bennington is a terrible all-around vocalist. Jeremy is one of the best today.
Matt Tuck (Bullet for My Valentine)

Matthew "Matt" Tuck is a Welsh musician. He is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the Welsh emo and metalcore band Bullet for My Valentine. The band is known for albums such as "The Poison" and "Fever," which helped establish their international popularity.

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.
Ronnie Radke (Escape the Fate)

Ronald Joseph Radke is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, musician, and record producer from Las Vegas, Nevada. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Falling in Reverse.
Before forming Falling in Reverse, he was the original lead singer of Escape the Fate. He recorded one... read more

When I first started listening to his music, from Escape the Fate and Falling in Reverse, I thought someone else was doing the screaming. It was just so different from his singing and talking voice, and the transitions between the two were so smooth, I couldn't even fathom it was the same person.

Ronnie was one of the best screamers out there, especially with his lower screaming ability, such as in The Guillotine. The ending of the song had perfect double-layered screams. But now that he is in FIR, he uses more rap than rock, and his screams are not as good.
Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth)

Lars Mikael Åkerfeldt is a Swedish musician, best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of the progressive death metal band Opeth. He was also the vocalist for the death metal supergroup Bloodbath, contributing to three albums before leaving the band in 2012.... read more
Benjamin Burnley (Breaking Benjamin)

Benjamin Jackson Burnley IV is an American musician, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is best known as the founder, lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Breaking Benjamin, which he formed in 1999. The band has released several successful albums and is known... read more

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!
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.
Jared Warth (Blessthefall)

He's got some of the most intense screams I've heard. Along with Beau's cleans and the great backing music, Warth is just flat-out amazing.

His screams are just so powerful. He should be higher up this list, in my opinion. Then, when Beau joins, it's perfect.

Definitely one of the most unique screamers in the game. When you hear this guy, you won't forget him.
Serj Tankian (System of a Down)

Serj Tankian (Armenian: Սերժ Թանգյան. Born August 21, 1967) is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American singer-songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, record producer, poet, and political activist.
He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Armenian-American rock band System of a Down. After the... read more

Serj Tankian is all-out amazing. A good singer in general, but his screams are amazing. Basically, any of his screams on the Toxicity album are perfect. BYOB had AMAZING screams. I believe that was off of Steal This Album!, but don't quote me. I am probably wrong.
I looked at this list not even thinking about the nu metal and grunge screamers, just the same old screamo and metalcore. However, Phil Anselmo would be my favorite metal screamer. I am not sure if he is on this list, though.

BYOB is on Mezmerize, just a friendly correction. But Serj has very creative vocals. He was opera trained, and you can definitely tell at times. His screams, growls, and vocal control are like no other. Just check out their debut album if you don't believe me!