Top 10 Frontmen in Heavy Metal and Hard Rock

Metal wouldn't be the same without them. Welcome to Kiker's Blog and today I'm listing my top 10 frontmen in heavy metal and hard rock. For this list I based my picks based on their stage presence, songwriting abilities, popularity, and vocal chops.

10. Phil Anselmo-Pantera
Thanks to his intense vocals, Phil Anselmo replaced Terry Glaze as Pantera's frontman in the late 80's. He helped transform their glam metal sound into a heavier groove metal sound, and took the band to the top of the Billboard 200 chart with Far Beyond Driven. Known for his screeching whale, intense presence, and wild stage behavior; Anselmo also proved his leadership by staying with the band through several musical projects.

9. Dave Mustaine-Megadeath
Dave Mustaine overcame being fired from Metallica to form one of heavy metal's biggest bands. as Megadeath's vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist, Mustaine crafted complex instrumentals, memorable guitar solos, and volitile lyrics that turned the band into thrash metal's big four. Along with their multiple Grammy nominations, gold records, and massive international following, Mustaine also insured they didn't lose any of their speed or intensity in later years.

8. Rob Halford-Judas Priest
If you're looking for pure heavy metal, look no further than Judas Priest. In the 70's, these metal pioneers combined the double guitar style of K.K. Downing and Glenn Tipton with Rob Halford's theatrical vocals to create a unique and heavy sound. With his four octave range and powerful screams, Halford's singing prowess is practically unparalleled. Add his songwriting abilities and his sense of style, and you've got one amazing frontman.

7. Joe Elliot-Def Leppard
After spearheading the new wave of British metal in the late 70's, Def Leppard set the bar for 80's hard rock with Joe Elliot leading the way. By setting his vocal harmonies in a blend of hard rock, glam metal, arena rock, and pop; Def Leppard solidified their place as one of the decade's most successful bands. The groups co-founder and key songwriter was also adapt and engaging in crowds, as demonstrated by their countless arena shows.

6. Ronnie James Dio-Dio/Black Sabbath/Rainbow
Weather he was fronting Black Sabbath, his own band, or various other projects, Ronnie James Dio really put his all into everything he did. In his 50+ years in music, he marked the genre with the unfeltering strength of his voice, and made metal horns a metal staple. Meanwhile, the major outpouring of sorrow that followed his death was a testament to his impact and influence to music in general.

5. Alice Cooper-Alice Cooper
Since Alice Cooper is technically the name of the artist and the band he fronts, I'm putting the godfather of shock rock on my list. Inspired by horror imagery, he crafted elaborate stage shows laid out with execution devices, fake blood, and reptiles. He then up-ed the shock factor by dressing up to match. His heavy metal sound and showmanship have also set the stage for many shock rockers thereafter.

4. James Hetfield-Metallica
He's not only a co-founder, but also the main songwriter, lead vocalist, and rhythm guitarist of one of heavy metal's most successful bands. By helping to craft Metallica's early, fast-paced, and aggressive complex compositions, Hetfield positioned the band as one of thrash metal's big four. With his recognizable roar, and their technically astounding performances, he led Metallica to mainstream success and turned them into leaders of the genre.

3. Bruce Dickinson-Iron Maiden
Bruce Dickinson wowed us with a range that reached opporatic proportions. He didn't only seemelessly meld his showmanship with Iron Maiden's theatrical live shows, but also helped give the band their first UK chart topper with The Number of the Beast. While he would've ranked higher if he had a bigger songwriting role, it can't be denied he helped spearhead the new wave of British metal.

2. Bon Scott-AC/DC
Though the later success AC/DC had with Brian Johnson would give him a spot in the top 10, it's the Scottish-born Australian Bon Scott that's got the edge in my eyes. Thanks to his lude lyrics and on stage charisma, Scott helped the band earn popularity in their hometown and then around the world. It's little wonder that Whole Lotta Rosie and Highway To Hell remain some of AC/DC's greatest work.

Here are a few Honorable Mentions:

David Coverdale-Whitesnake

Brian Johnson-AC/DC

Lemmy Kilmister-Motorhead

M. Shadows-Avenged Sevenfold

Cory Taylor-Slipknot

1. Ozzy Osbourne-Black Sabbath
With Black Sabbath, the prince of darkness set set the blueprint for heavy metal and countless sub-genres. Alongside Tony Iomi's big bad riffs, Ozzy's signature vocals made for and original, dark, and heavy blues rock sound. However, it was after leaving that Ozzy took his stage antics to the next level as his shocking theatrics kept him the center of attention, and increased his appeal and success.

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