1. Rob Halford (Judas Priest): Known for his powerful and operatic vocal style, Halford is widely regarded as one of the greatest metal singers of all time. His distinct voice and stage presence have made him an icon in the metal scene.
2. Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden): Dickinson's soaring vocals and unique vocal melodies have become synonymous with Iron Maiden's music. His wide vocal range and energetic performances have solidified his status as one of the top metal singers.
3. Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath, Rainbow, Dio): Dio possessed a versatile vocal range and a distinct singing style that blended operatic elements with rock and metal. His powerful and emotive performances have influenced numerous vocalists in the metal genre.
4. Ozzy Osbourne (Black Sabbath): Known as the "Prince of Darkness," Osbourne's distinctive voice and charismatic stage persona have made him a legendary figure in metal. His contributions to Black Sabbath and his solo career have cemented his status as one of the pioneers of heavy metal.
5. Maynard James Keenan (Tool, A Perfect Circle): Keenan's unique vocal style, which often combines screaming, singing, and spoken word, has helped define the sound of progressive metal. His lyrics are often introspective and thought-provoking, adding another layer of depth to his performances.
6. Mikael Åkerfeldt (Opeth): Åkerfeldt's versatile vocal range allows him to effortlessly transition between harsh growls and melodic clean singing. His ability to blend both styles seamlessly has made him a standout vocalist in the progressive metal genre.
7. Phil Anselmo (Pantera, Down): Anselmo's aggressive and powerful vocal delivery has been a defining characteristic of Pantera's music. His distinctive style influenced many metal vocalists and helped shape the sound of the New Wave of American Heavy Metal (NWOTHM) movement.
8. David Draiman (Disturbed): Draiman's powerful and commanding vocal style has been instrumental in Disturbed's rise to prominence. His ability to deliver emotionally charged performances has made him one of the most recognizable voices in modern metal.
9. Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour): Taylor's versatility as a vocalist allows him to seamlessly switch between harsh screams and melodic singing. His energetic stage presence and distinct masks have made him a captivating frontman and one of the most well-known metal vocalists of the modern era.
10. Tarja Turunen (Nightwish): Tarja's operatic vocals brought a unique and ethereal element to Nightwish's music. Her classical training and powerful voice helped popularize symphonic metal and made her a prominent figure in the genre.
It's important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and many other talented metal singers have made significant contributions to the genre. Ultimately, the choice of who the top metal singer is remains a matter of personal preference and opinion.