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 Temple Pilots they released two albums with Chester before his death. Wake Me and No Sun Today,... read more

I think (one of) the most amazing thing (s) 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 lots of those listed below, particularly Danny Worsnop, Kurt Cobain, and Corey Taylor, among others, but Chester, to me, is absolutely unrivaled.

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 get close in my head no one can quite get 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 even really participate in the creation of it and it suffered because of it. But Stand up and scream is amazing. In particular the High at the end of Closure is just insane. All these singers are great, I'm actually happy with how well profile 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, he sings better too. He is the only person I know that can scream lows, mids and highs, but maintain a gigantic singing range. In terms of over all vocal ability, the only person that 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 than Danny definitely deserves the number one spot much more than anyone else on this list

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.

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.

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 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". Added 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 go on hurting himself

Bring me the horizon is a band that I back in most all aspects when it comes to the screaming. Oli is probably though 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 extreamly 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 brings me back want more like I haven't before

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. Like, 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.

6 Chris Motionless (Motionless in White)

I love Linkin Park and have been listening to them for years, and 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 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 exactly Chris Motionless is beneath so many people on this list. Probably because motionless are only now starting to get their groove on and make their mark in metal. Chris has all the supposed qualities that Danny Worsnop (whom is also very talented) from Asking Alexandria has... Except he manages to have an even more diverse range of screams than even Danny. He does 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 all 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" and to be honest 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!

7 M Shadows (Avenged Sevenfold)

M. Shadows doesn't have the metalcore scre that danny and chester have but he has a scream that can simply demolish those two, live.
When he screams you can feel his vocal chords, his accuracy and rhythm while screaming.M. shadows is #1 and Avenged Sevenfold is an amazing band that'll 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 the number one because M shadows has incredibly high fry screams and he can combine the distorsion and clean voice. Just watched Rock Am Ring 2011 from god hates us, Afterlife, Crittical Acclaim, Almost Easy and Live LBC Beast and the harlot from the lyric "I don't believe in fairtales and no one wants to go the hell... Bla bla bla" he not only screaming he can rap dude!

8 Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel)

Is definitely the best. I've seen half the bands listed live and Whitechapel kills it as its 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 much better then many of those who are up there. + he did probably the best job at Mitch Lucker memorial show

When someone screams so low you really start to believe he actually is a demon. The feeling only Whitechapel fans know

9 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 just raw and it carries over live. Most screamers on this lists 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.

10 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 hurts then 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 still holding down three. Like this makes no sense because randy and Tim are at their 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 screaming. A compilation of deep growl and shrill scream. Yea 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 BYLTHE /,

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 same with Jon Howard's voice. Listen to them. Great band!

Tim is easily one of the best screamers out there... Has that deep gritty yell to that pretty high pitch scream, he can do it all. And has that nasty death metal growl. In my opinion it's Tim 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 Seattle home in 1994.

Kurt deserves to be in 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 is a damnshame the pressure got to him contributed 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 bands greatest work. If by this point you love the band listen to their final album In Utero.R.I. P Kurt Cobain

That's a load of rubbish, he loved life at the end, just listen to his last song you know your write, and you will know he didn't commit suicide he was murded by his evil x wife's hit man, his finger prints weren't even on the gun, that was sitting 2 meters away from his corpse.

All right, agreed that he was a good screamer. and he screamed in some of his songs. but why do I have to find deeply for his screaming. when Ian Gillan more or less screams in almost all songs. if Kurt Cobain should be at top 10, then Ian Gillan should be at number 1.

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 favourit 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. So much power and emotion.

14 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

15 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.

Great singer... Though I've never heard him scream much. Also, where is Howard Jones?

Absolute god like! Even better live than in studio!

What is that? JD is the best screamer. Listen to Good God, Shoots and Ladders, Blind and It's On!

16 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.

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
17 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 is winston number 15 and chester number 1? He barely even scream anymore in his songs, hell even post hardcore bands do more screams than him. Now this guy Winston right here, best screamer I have ever witnessed, watch him live and you'll know what I'm talking about

This man can do the high pitched screams to the vicious growls effortlessly. And that queer 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, 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

18 Greg Puciato (The Dillinger Escape Plan)

This guy has a fantastic voice. He dose 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.

19 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.
20 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 this 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 Chinos his distinctive scream.

WOW awfully low on the list.

The reason he isn't up there very high is because he sings more than he screams.

If he was a scream only guy we would be up there with the best, where he belongs.

21 Mike Hranica (The Devil Wears Prada)

I don't see how he is below Danny Worsnop, in my opinion, and Oli Sykes. Oli's screams sound the same, he doesn't hit lows, and he can barely do highs. Same with 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 dunno, I just think he should be a little higher on the list. He has experience and from taking his band as a joke to making an album that hit in the top 40 albums 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 the 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 chords.

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

Agree with previous comment!

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, but on tracks like Cemetary 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! ).

What how could anyone forgot Phil Anselmo
Look up Superjoint ritual Ozena and tell me if he shouldn't be higher..

Anyone who did not choose him knows nothing about metal or music

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, 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!

Yes! Love this band!

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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