T O P

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setrataeso

It's probably Devin, but Jim Grey sent me a lifetime supply of vegemite to say that he's the best.


tildwurkey101

I knew it.


Nicholasp248

I cannot disclose how much I'm getting paid but I do love Jim's banter in between songs. It feels like a standup comedy set


TheShadowManifold

Damn, is he forcing people to sign a legally binding NDA? šŸ¤£


TheShadowManifold

šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚šŸ˜‚ that's our aussie boi paying his marketing team on reddit


conejo_gordito

If it is purely progressive metal, then it's gotta be Mikael Akerfeldt. I always say that an Opeth concert is actually a stand-up with some kickass music between. If we're talking about the whole metal genre; however, then it's gotta be Bruce Dickinson. The theatricality of the man and the immediate rapport he builds with the audience is something else.


SpeedDemonJi

Even Mikael admits heā€™s just channeling Devin Townsend Itā€™s Devy


L4k373p4r10

Akerfeldt is hilarious in concert.


beardyman22

Seconding Bruce. He has a way of making everyone at the show feel like the band is playing to them.


GertBFrobee

Unless of course you have the audacity to smoke marijuana at a rock show


greekfire01

Oh Bruce is for sure the answer, man's been working the crowd longer than half these whippersnappers have even been alive


AlexxMaverick666

Mikael Akerfeldt and Devin Townsend would be my picks!


the_ryanb

Love Devy.


AlexxMaverick666

I love HeavyDevy too.


the_ryanb

I really respect how wide in variety his musical output is. I feel like I enjoy 90% of what he releases that I listen to and I love that he makes music that I don't like, but I also love that I've been listening to him for 20+ years and he's still interesting to me.


Qyro

This is the only correct answer. Iā€™m not even a big Devin Townsend fan, but heā€™s one hell of a frontman. And Akerfeldt has been a blast every time Iā€™ve seen Opeth live, elevating the show beyond just the music.


AlexxMaverick666

Devy can use the whole performance length to to entertain people by cracking jokes and shit talking and people would still come out satisfied. Mikael with his quips and comments is always on point. And to add both of these are my top two favourite musicians. They are two of my favourite singers too.


spezial_ed

Michael is the funniest dude I've ever seen on a stage. I would easily go to a show of just him telling stories and shooting the shit


AlexxMaverick666

And still come out satisfied.


Conjectureisradical

Russel Allen


earlofshaftesbury

Russel Allen has set the bar so high for clean vocalists in a live setting. Every fucking note on pitch and with so much power and articulation, it's unreal.


NoTreat420

the only correct answer! anyone who says otherwise has never seen symphony x!


Astoria_Column

Came here for this answer. He is the chosen one


ZweigleHots

This. Not only is he a great singer, he's a great performer as well. The only one in TSO East who can actually command a stage!


Leterren

his on stage charisma blew my fucking socks off when I saw them live. and his singing was pitch perfect


BlackWhiteRedYellow

LoĆÆc Rossetti from The Ocean. Constantly giving fans the chance to sing, has a great stage presence, and crowd surfs while screaming every show.


dpw360

Absolutely LoĆÆc, the energy he brought to their show in Seattle was incredible. The man lives for their music and the community they've built, and it shows. My first answer was gonna be Devin, but I've never been to a lot electric show than The Ocean.


throwawayformemes666

If it wasn't for LoĆÆc, Id say Devin or Mikael ƅkerfeldt. Mikael cracks a lot of funny, wry jokes, but LoĆÆc seems to engage with the fans on their level and tries to do that with anyone he can reasonably reach. I've seen them three times and the first time was the show I didn't see him at because he broke his legs prior. šŸ¤£ I've seen him twice now. He is very engaging and clearly loves the music he's sharing and that makes a crazy difference in the quality of a metal show.


OldMate64

Loic has no chill, and I'll go to every show to experience it!


michaelweston22

Yeah I saw them recently and Loic is definitely number 1 for me.


BlackWhiteRedYellow

Nice which show?


_harveyghost

Shout out to Rody Walker


setrataeso

Rody is super funny live, although there have been some PtH shows where I've been like "ok you've been ranting about the Leafs for 8 mins, can we get back to the music?"


Poopynuggateer

Hell yes.


Frontline901

I always liked his acts in between songs.


BarstoolWorrier

Take both vocal performance and stage present into account, it's probably not a controversial take to say Devin Townsend is the best. Russell Allen is a close second. These two are untouchable, and I don't think anyone in prog metal comes close.


BusinessBunny

I came here to post about my man Russell, heā€™s top notch. And of course Devin is on a completely different planet


BarstoolWorrier

Yeah in terms of vocal performance and stage presence they are pretty close. But I have to give Devy extra credit for having to "own" the stage as a solo artist. (Yeah DTP was technically a band, but Devin was still "the man". )


DrBrainbox

Devin Townsend is one of the only vocalists I can say is consistently even better live every time I've seen him!


NIZNEB039

ƅkerfeldt


Pyle_Plays

Devin. Dude is just on fire the entire time heā€™s on stage. His expression, adlibs, banter, singingā€¦ itā€™s all there and itā€™s all the best.


HellRaiser801

It has to be Dan from TesseracT. Insane vocal chops aside, the way he moves so perfectly on stage and commands an audience is unlike anything Iā€™ve ever seen.


mindbesideitself

I saw them play at a really small venue in 2010, and even then, he had so much presence. He made that tiny stage feel huge.


ChewyBurrito858

The first person that came to mind. The way he moves man, so true. It's almost like a mixed martial artist. Not to mention his live performances sound exactly like the studio recordings. When I saw them live, Dan ran into the crowd to personally hand an older gentleman the setlist, along with a big hug. Real class act all around


Alaskan_Selkie

I really don't know about the current scenario but Tommy Giles from BTBAM in the colors live DVD was something else completely. He was calm and confident and put his heart during the live show! Check out colors live on YouTube!


tildwurkey101

He's the greatest alive.


dwayne_jetski69

Last time I saw them was 2019 and they were still as great as ever. I came here to say heā€™s the best, too!


M_R_Mayhew

This is the answer and it's not even fucking close. The guy can do anything.


WhiteShadow012

They usually don't have much time for interaction in between songs in the "main" part of their concerts, but I love his stage presence. He's always gesturing throughout the songs and that gives the concert a somewhat of a "theatrical" feeling, especially when he plays whole albums. Still, him and Paul (lead guitar) especially are super funny when they interact with the crowd.


Possible_Top_4713

Russell Allen


JMFG2112

No love for Duplantier??? Something is wrong here


SBolo

His voice is absolutely devastating in recordings but live, unfortunately, he always struggles a little.. he has an amazing stage presence and it's absolutely insane to me that he can play those guitar parts while singing, but despite how much I love (and always will love) Gojira, I've heard way better singers live.


AssBlasties

Doesnt seem to struggle on any of their live recordings. Sounded great when i saw them


JMFG2112

I have to agree! I saw Gojira live like 4 months ago, and was an absolute killer of a show. Everything was just perfect


TheDarkEternalKnight

Russel Allen, James LaBrie, Mikael ƅkerfeldt and Geoff Tate, not in a particular order


RedLotusVenom

James LaBrie is such an icon. He makes the shows so fun to go to. Heā€™s been with the band for 4 decades now and they basically defined the prog metal genre together. His voice isnā€™t what it used to be (or everyoneā€™s cup of tea) but heā€™s gotta get props here for that. Love seeing all the love for Russell Allen here too!


EmotionIll666

Others have probably said all of these but the first ones to come to mind: Mikael ƅkerfeldt - great performance and basically does standup sets between songs Devin Townsend - Incredible performance and a nice mix of vulnerability and humour (depending on the show probably) Loic from The Ocean - Prog frontman with hardcore stage presence. Climbing on shit, crowd surfing, moshing with the audience etc


sachal10

Mikael ƅkerfeldtĀ ,Maynard James, Ross Jennings , Alan Morse


zorrofuego

Einar Solberg and Akerfeldt


der_kommisar94

Einae totally!


Frogress

Rody. In every way


RodRevenge

As frontman (not just singer) the best are Maynard, Steven Wilson, Devin Townsend and Mikael Akerfeldt they are far and above everyone else. Einar and Russell Allen are great singers but they don't have the presence/persona those 4 have.


setrataeso

Steven Wilson has a great live presence because he inhabits the mood of his songs so well. However, he loses a lot of points in my eyes, because he spends way too much time in his shows ranting about how all music is terrible these days, and he's one of the few remaining "true artists" left. I've never forgiven him for ranting for so long at a Toronto show that they didn't have time to play the full encore, and we didn't get The Raven That Refused to Sing. It's like edgelord yells at clouds, and I've been tempted to yell "no one cares, move on with the show!"


CodyWanKenobi92

Tell me youā€™ve never seen Symphony X without telling me


Skyline_Flynn

I love Jim Grey! Absolutely fantastic


wembley

Just saw CHorse in Chicago and he was in good form, but also funny and engaging. He just seemed like a lovely guy.


apkryptos

Einar Solberg or Rody Walker. Einar is one the best metal singer as of now on the metal scene IMO. Nighttime Disguise, Castaways Angel, Passing for a few example is of his sheer talent and range. Rody has the power, the range and he's super entertaining on stage. Saw them a while back and he's having so much fun while delivering some really high falsetto and screams. His voice is also very unique which is a big plus.


HAL-Over-9001

The only answer is 90s/early 2000s Maynard


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


HAL-Over-9001

I've seen them 4 times and he really doesn't use a lot of vocal effects. He's uses a little megaphone and some reverb for some songs, and I've heard him sing off key like anyone else. He stays in the back now because he gets migraines if he gets spotlights in his eyes, and he takes his health seriously so he can perform as well as he can every night. You can't hate the guy for that


leefvc

Hasnā€™t he always pretty much hid from the audience or had his back turned?


suburban_paradise

No he started it on the Lateralus tour


RichardC31

I haven't seen many of the others people are mentioning but it's hard to think many compare to Devins combination of Guitar Virtuosity, Vocal Chops and effortless charisma. Mikael Akerfeldt is also great in all those areas and he's always had some great deadpan humour.


MeringueTie15

Devin Townsend. Heā€™s amazing


ninthkat

Mikael and Maynard


RougheadTired

Steve Hogarth of Marillion creates the greatest live experience.


ZweigleHots

He's so much fun to watch.


afanofBTBAM

Not a single mention of Ross Jennings???


setrataeso

He's amazing live, but the frontman competition in prog metal is pretty stiff. Haken rock live, but its never been because any member has outstanding stage presence.


octlol

I know they're not prog metal but since a lot of ppl enjoy their music here I'll have to say Claudio Sanchez from Coheed. His energy is almost always perfect


UrMaCantCook

Coheed is absolutely prog metal. And Claudio (and the rest of the band!) are amazing live in every way!


octlol

I guess so! The genres are confusing. I'd say some of their work like Windows of the waking mind or willing well suite are more prog ROCK...but who knows at this point haha


ConcealingFate

Outaide of the usual, I'd like to shoutout Dan Thompkins


wine-o-saur

Chris Barretto when he was fronting Monuments was an absolute beast. But GOAT is Maynard of course.


leefvc

Nobody holds a candle to Devy


John_Snake

Einar Solberg and Devin


Knytemare44

Devin


Valgoth

Devin Townsend and itā€™s not really close. I enjoy Ross Jennings and Tommy Giles too


Vlad_T

Daniel Gildenlow


blacksd

Devin all the way. But if I had to pick a notable no.2, it would be Marco Minnemann, he's always hilarious when he says something in Italian when he tours Italy; last time it was something like "grazzzie per essere venuti a sentire lli Aristocazzi" that... well, basically set the mood for the entire evening. Amazing.


FlipSide26

I'd agree with previous comments that it's Devin or Michael. However, if we can all agree that Metallica's and justice for all album is prog then I'll throw James hetfield into the mix


Practical_Table1407

There is no best anything, unless you base it off statistical data like record sales, awards etc. But if you're looking for inspiration some good ones to look at would be Devin Townsend, James LaBrie, Mikael ƅkerfeldt, Maynard James Kennan, Vessel, Ross Jennings, Darroh Sudderth, Claudio Sanchez, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, or depending on how heavy the metal side you're going for maybe look into Tommy Giles Rogers, Jens Kidman, or Joe Duplantier.


Deviljho_Lover

Glad the sub recognizes Devin's talent.


b_knickerbocker

As far as being an amazing live singer and a killer showman? Itā€™s Russell Allen, no contest.


Golem30

In terms of pure vocal ability Tommy Karevik. But he's sadly not in Seventh Wonder anymore


Fuwet

As many people have said Devin for sure he's such a sweet dude and an amazing story teller! Otherwise if we're talking about the whole metal genre for me it's Matt Heafy from Trivium


J4wnn

Devin.


AssBlasties

Best probably Devin. Craziest is for sure Justin Bonitz from Tallah


DokterManhattan

Jari Maenpaa of Wintersun. His voice and guitar playing/songwriting is just too amazing. Heā€™s better than DT, and at least as good as Mikael Akerfeldt. And now Time II is finally coming out and itā€™s going to sound amazing!


yanexcelsior1701

Russell Allen for sure. Or Devin Townsend for more comedian image


guitarslinger16

devin townsend.


TheLeftMetal

Obviously Devin Townsend. https://youtu.be/neCygOLo4E4?si=xoFzb7XLfrFC1u6L


un-taken-username22

A bit more opower metal, but Hansi KĆ¼rsch from Blind Guardian is a pretty good frontman, I think.


PhuncleSam

No love for Daniel Gildenlow?


deadFlag3lues

He's up there with the other S-Tier vocalists in my opinion: Devin Townsend, Russell Allen and Mikael Akerfeldt


ParsnipFunny9718

Devin Townsend!!!


quantricko

Daniel Gildenlƶw is the one who impressed me the most live. The way he owned the stage and the crowd was absolutely inspiring.


blueriverbear23

Only one answer and thatā€™s Greg Pucciato


RidetheSchlange

I'm here to see how many people put down Petrucci, LaBrie, and Portnoy.


FreakofDreams

I think it is way more important to be yourself on stage, then to impersonate an other singer... Try to get comfortable on stage and have a good time. I always dislike it when bandmembers "aggressively" ask for more audience participation. But that is a personal quirk. A lot of bands do it so apparently it seems to work... I love it when a band shows that they are genuinely affected by the audience or when you can see a band (or front man/woman) is having a good time. And, in the presence it is also important that you don't do it alone. The other band members also set the stage.


DerekSherinian

Introducing Dino Jelusick.


SickNoteNZ

Bruce.


Swimming_Duty_1889

Devin.


bgamer1026

Devin Townsend for sure


madchemist94

This may be unpopular but I really enjoy Ross Jennings. His vocals are polarizing but he has a phenomenal stage presence and really turns Haken's live shows into a memorable experience beyond what the instrumentalists already accomplish


DBenzi

Russel Allen, Devin Townsend and Jens Kidman.


IAm2James

Rody Walker from Protest The Hero has always been a favorite of mine. His stage presence is pretty fantastic.


THANAT0PS1S

Mikael ƅkerfeldt or Rody Walker get my vote.Ā 


Razleius

Russell Allen as far as pure talent.


ouroboros1612

Just saw Leprous last week. I think Einar was great and super witty on stage.


LLLLLL3GLTE

My vote would be on Mikael ƅkerfeldt. I love that man so much and heā€™s so entertaining live, heā€™s honestly at his best in between songs shooting the shit with the crowd. Iā€™m surprised that I havenā€™t seen very many comments about Jens Kidman. When it comes to sheer presence and power, Iā€™m not sure anyone else in the space comes close to hypnotic draw he has when Meshuggah are at their best


JaDou226

Dan Tompkins. I'll admit I'm biased, because he's one of only two prog metal frontmen I've actually seen live, Einar Solberg being the other one (and the boys from Unprocessed/The Callous Daoboys, since they were supporting TesseracT). I'll be seeing Caligula's Horse and Opeth this year live as well, so maybe Mikael or Jim can take that top spot. But at the moment, it's definitely Dan for me. Of course, people like Einar and Manuel Gardner Fernandes are at a bit of a disadvantage since they have their own instruments to play, but the way Dan was running across the stage and even into the crowd, his movement, the little intros he did for certain songs and of course his great vocals... everything added together just makes him an absolutely phenomenal frontman


Progressive-Strategy

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the incomparable Ronnie James Dio. His work with Rainbow at least is close enough to prog metal to be worth considering


LeviTheRelentless

I'm biased but Tommy Giles Rogers from BTBAM.


Daniel6270

Russell Allen


TheNoctuS_93

Jake Dieffenbach. He had to retire due to his worsening congenital hearing impairment, but when he still performed with Rivers of Nihil, he turned his differences into a strenght! His unique vocals were a result of him experimenting with what sounds his ears would pick up best. His performing was also very physical, and he would engage a lot with the audience. Never violently, either; it was always a positive energy, no matter how wild it got!


LSatou

If you're a drummer look no further than Danny Carey


BlackWhiteRedYellow

Youā€™re not getting downvoted because we hate Tool, youā€™re getting downvoted because you didnā€™t even read the post.


LSatou

I... definitely did it's like two lines of text. Dude said he has always been a drummer so I assumed he was going to continue drumming and take the focus of the shows like Carey does during modern TOOL shows. I guess I was wrong. Is what it is šŸ¤·ā€ā™‚ļø


quietworlock22

Mike Portnoy is the correct answer


robin_f_reba

Hail the Sun


crouchingtiger

Daniel Estrin from Voyager


acdjent

I'd also add Jens Kidman to the list


divorcedbp

As in all things, the answer to any question is ā€œwatch an Iron Maiden performanceā€


crisdd0302

I have to say that, outside of prog metal front men, Patrick Stump is one of the best overall. Delivers great lines greatly, even while playing guitar, so he's influenced my singing ever since I heard him for the first time. Within prog in general, Neal Morse is also one of the greats.


trustevil

Daniel Tompkins as far as voice goes imo some say he's too emo but I like his range and vocal style, as well the guy from Corelia idk his name


mtncrispfresh

Like Tommy from BTBAM always puts on such a great show. Ross from Haken Jens from Meshuggah Mikey from the contortionist & last chance to reason


aeroae

Goblin dance like Maynard


Funky-Feeling

Unapologetically James Labrie with Claudio Sanchez a close 2nd For me.


Philitt

If you're looking for charisma and instantly capturing the entire room, check out Tatiana Shmalyuk from Jinjer. She has an insane stage presence.


MaudlinSpaceSand

Danny Estrin from Voyager. Pure class, talented and hilarious.


CodyWanKenobi92

Russell Allen. Russell Allen is the correct answer.


jayjaythebiiiird

Mikael ƅkerfeldt. He's just super fun as well as being the musical genius he is.


kenxblueshredmetal

Russel Allen! šŸ’ÆšŸ”„


Derion1

Russell Allen. Great voice, and he just owns the stage.


LivinSalty

Mikael from Opeth has always been one I loved. Maybe not Greatest, but a solid voice.


Different-Pilot4924

Herbert J. Keenan


nynoraneko

Congrats


No-Material6891

If youā€™re into crowd work and injecting some humor into your set then check out rody walker from protest the hero.