All time best metal vocalist opinion poll pt 1

[Azrael]

I can't ever decide how to choose an all time favorite, Discography? Aesthetics? Philosophy? Influence? Range and ability at youth? Range and ability when old?

[Moloc]

I would say that philosophy is only important if you actually listen to the lyrics. Funny, the older I become and the deeper I get into metal the less attention I pay to lyrics. When I was a kid I would study the lyrics like a fanatic: "Just two minutes to midnight? That's so deep, man!" Nowadays I just like to hear someone who can scream in key.

[Ryan]

I suppose it comes down to what you consider "best."

For me it's all about their voice in their prime. Sure, Halford can't hang with what he used to be able to do but I don't knock him, or any singer, for not being able to perform on the level they did in their youth.

[ScreamBloodyGore]

^__^

[Metalfreak]

I never really thought about it but given the choices presented, I picked range/ ability at youth. I suppose this also includes stamina too.

@Moloc - yeah, I never really got into lyrics either. And you know I'm not as old as you (haha sorry, had to! ) but I just never cared about lyrical content unless it was downright ridiculous. I mean, I can't listen to someone growling "take off your dress and show me your breasts" without laughing! Otherwise though, if it sounds good, I really don't care what the hell they're singing about. If it happens that the lyrics are actually really good and tell some sort of neat story, I take it as an added bonus. \m/

[Kaganator]

Range and Ability, but it'd be better if they were a good at youth and in present.

[Gorgorostrich]

Has to be range and ability in prime. It's hard to blame a metal vocalist for fucking up their vocal chords for later on, even if it's partially due to a lack of control early on. Influence is ok, too.

I don't think Ozzy or Quorthon were ever as capable as Halford or Gillan or whoever, but they were definitely groundbreaking and sounded great.