Metal Reviews

What are peoples favorite lyricist in all of music (not just metal, and can include rap)? You can list as many as you want! Here are some of mine off the top of my head (in no order):

-Marilyn Manson (before the golden age of grotesque, but after portriat of an american family)

-Mikael Akerfeldt

-U2's Bono

-Eminem (before encore)

-Cory Taylor

-Sarah Mclachlan


Thats all I can think of now. I want to list Warrel Dane, but I want to hear more of Nevermore before I list him. Dont be afraid to list someone cause they arent "metal". Thats the beauty of lyrics, everyone has poetry that helps them no matter what it is about or what its sung to.

Jacob Bannon from Converge because he's the only one whose lyrics have actually sent chills down my spine without the help of musical reference.

Cedric Bixler from The Mars Volta, for being totally awesome.

Sarah Mclachlan has some excellent lyrics! My favorite female lyricist is easily Ani Difranco. It doesn't get much better than that! I also think Rob Zombie has some killer lyrics, very unique.

Eminem is also a great lyricist. It's hard to deny that.

Oh ok, first and best one (for me) that comes to my mind is Nikos Gkatsos. He's a poet who wrote mostly song lyrics in his career for Manos Hadjidakis. His lyrics were almost too strong and moving, dealing with all parts of life, sometimes viewing things from unexpected angles. Both the music and the lyrics (along with recordings/execution/orchestration) of the songs were above anything else that has ever happened in greek music. It's not metal at all, in fact quite the opposite, but it speaks to the heart.

Tony Kakko (who didn't see this coming?)
Lennon/McCartney, obviously
David DeFeis ( kickass)

Id have to say:
Devin Townsend

Joey Demaio - (Sure there is some cheese but there is some truly great lyrics in those Manowar songs - May your sword stay wet like a young girl in her prime.)

Thomas Youngblood of Kamelot

I have to add:

The team of Jon Oliva/Paul O'Neil
Hansi Kursch

I usually ignore vocals but I actually really enjoy Sonata Arctica's lyrics, they're very powerful. Also, Mikko Salovaara from Kiuas writes some epic as hell pagan metal lyrics

50 cent

He does say the word "yeah" alot doesnt he? . One time I counted and it was in the 20 range! But he still kicks ass

indeed, Eminem has some very cool lyrics.

-> i really like Metallica's lyrics in their older albums
-> Karl Sanders (Nile)

The person who came up with the following verse gets my vote-

Generals gathered in their masses,
Just like witches at black masses.
Evil minds that plot destruction,
Sorcerers of death's construction.
In the fields the bodies burning,
As the war machine keeps turning.
Death and hatred to mankind,
Poisoning their brainwashed minds.
Oh lord, yeah!!!

Shame he does crappy covers these days...

Jo Quinn from Mary Jane

Peter Hammill, of Van Der Graaf Generator might be my favorite. Abstract, poetic, and provoking stuff!

Bruce Dickinson is a close second for me, although a lot of the best stuff he wrote can be credited to William Blake. Still has some of the best lyrics out there though.

James LaBrie (Mullmuzzler-solo career) has some pretty darn good lyrics aswell. Intelligent in so many ways, and you can totally relate to them many times.

Hansi Kürsch wrote some incredible lyrics at times also, especially the D&M stuff. Very personal and dark, but beautiful.

And lastly, Warrell Dane of Nevermore of course, he is awesome. He studied poetry and philosophy for several years, and it shows.

Blitz Ellsworth. His attitude is awesome.

Fenriz and Nocturno Culto write some awesome stuff as well.

There are tons, but a few that come to mind are:

Dead - The lyrics on DMDS are not that special in their own right, but they do convey a very sick mood together with the music.

Bruce Dickinson / Steve Harris - Yes, i'm a fanboy. Iron Maiden have had some pretty strong lyrics throughout their career and Bruce's solo stuff is just great.

Al Jourgensen - Killer. From the drug-influenced mental stuff to the Bush-dissing.

Dave Mustaine - Few lyric-writers manage to write political commentary without being overtly preachy.
Some of his stuff (Five magics, Psychotron...) is downright cheesy, though.

Peter Steele - I enjoy both Carnivore and Type O Negative a lot, Peter's witty lyrics being a big reason. Great black humour.




Yep.

Yasuyuki Suzuki (Barbatos, Abigail, Cut Throat) deserves a special mention!

We're rocking metal motherfucker
We don't like change underwear
We don't like to wash our hair
Waiting to go out on tour

We're rocking metal motherfucker
We don't give a fuck

I never have to work
We're playing sexual metal
I stay at home and masturbate
I fucking need a porno mag

Winner!

I want to hear some "sexual metal"

Agalloch, Emperor, Borknagar, Opeth, Winds.