The vocals in death metal are just as important as the shredding riffs and thundering drumming. Whether they deliver razor-sharp shrieks or deep, guttural growls, the best vocalists in the genre have made a lasting impression. It’s time to choose who you think is the best death metal vocalist ever! Here is a list of ten famous vocalists whose unique styles and tireless dedication helped to create the genre. Who is deserving of the title? Vote for your favourite and make your voice known!
Loading ...1. Chuck Schuldiner (Death)
- Style: High-pitched growls with razor-sharp clarity.
- Why: Widely regarded as the “Godfather of Death Metal” Chuck vocals on albums like “Scream Bloody Gore” and “Human” helped define the genre sound and direction.
2. David Vincent (Morbid Angel)
- Style: Deep, monstrous growls with commanding presence.
- Why: As the voice behind early Morbid Angel classics, Vincent vocals on “Altars of Madness” and “Covenant” set a standard for brutality.
3. Frank Mullen (Suffocation)
- Style: Rapid, staccato delivery with deep growls.
- Why: Frank Mullen work with Suffocation, particularly on albums like “Effigy of the Forgotten” brought technicality and aggression to death metal vocals.
4. Glen Benton (Deicide)
- Style: Dual-layered growls and shrieks.
- Why: Known for his anti-religious themes and intense stage presence, Benton vocals on albums like “Legion” pushed boundaries in terms of brutality.
5. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth, Bloodbath)
- Style: Powerful low growls with a distinct emotional depth.
- Why: Åkerfeldt versatility in both growled and clean vocals has made him a standout, especially on early Opeth albums like “Still Life” and his work with Bloodbath.
6. George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher (Cannibal Corpse)
- Style: Low, guttural growls with insane power and breath control.
- Why: Corpsegrinder vocal abilities, combined with his neck-thickening growls on tracks like “Hammer Smashed Face” solidified his legendary status in death metal.
7. John Tardy (Obituary)
- Style: Raspy, primal growls with a haunting tone.
- Why: Tardy unique vocal delivery helped shape the sound of Florida death metal, especially on albums like “Slowly We Rot”.
8. Karl Willetts (Bolt Thrower)
- Style: Deep, commanding growls with a militaristic edge.
- Why: As the voice behind Bolt Thrower war-themed anthems like “The IVth Crusade” Willetts vocals resonate with power and authority.
9. Martin van Drunen (Pestilence, Asphyx)
- Style: Raw, tortured growls with a distinct harshness.
- Why: Van Drunen vocal approach, particularly on albums like Pestilence “Consuming Impulse” and Asphyx “Last One on Earth” brings an intense, desperate emotion to death metal.
10. Jeff Becerra (Possessed)
- Style: Harsh, growling vocals with punk-infused intensity.
- Why: As the frontman of Possessed, Becerra vocals on “Seven Churches” are considered some of the earliest examples of death metal vocals making him a true pioneer.
These vocalists have each left a massive impact on death metal, not only shaping its sound but also pushing the limits of vocal aggression and intensity.
