This is a genre that is much less to do with the vocalist and much more to go with the guitar work. But still, what do you look for in an old thrash singer?
Passion, Range, Control, Tone, Style, Image... I suppose it is a much different style to other metal styles of singing, and definitely an art in itself.

I would vote for Chuck Billy, largely because he encompasses most of the other thrash styles in one. Whereas the other tend to master one or two aspects and restrict what they can do otherwise.

I'm with you on Chuck Billy. He's one of the few who's actually gotten better as he has matured and does have more diversity in his approach.

Mark from Death Angel! He's one of the few that can actually hold a note, and I generally prefer music like that played with higher vocals. My vote went to him.

Joey is a close second though. Actually I didn't even notice that he was on the poll before I voted lol

Chuck Billy is also a good pick though - he can sing great and growl strong. No one on that list can do it as well as him.

Keith Deens of Holy Terror is my favorite old school thrash vocalist. he's just got a powerful and emotive voice. shame they only cut two (fantastic) albums.

Michael Coons from Lääz Rockit is my favourite I guess, even if Bobby Ellsworth is without doubt the funniest.

My favourite is Paul Baloff, although he was off tune quite often live he just epitomized the entire thrash mentality raging like a madman live.

Other:
John Cyriis (Agent Steel) - the ultmate number 1!!!!
David White (Heathen)
Eric AK (especially on the first two Flotsam & Jetsam records)
Russ Anderson (especially on first two Forbidden records)
Sean Killian (Vio-lence)

I'm going with David White (Heathen) and Mike Howe (Metal Church, Heretic). Both are very versatile and able to do much more than your average thrash singer... err, vocalist.

Written by Hellish Star on 29.10.2009 at 22:01

Sean Killian (Vio-lence)

i love his cadence and delivery on Eternal Nightmare. one of my favorite little bits of "Get Thrashed" was the journalist (DJ Will?) describing the differing styles of Katon Di PEna (Hirax) and Sean.

How old-school Are we talking exactly? Can Max Cavalera count?

Written by DayFly on 29.10.2009 at 10:16

Michael Coons from Lääz Rockit is my favourite I guess, even if Bobby Ellsworth is without doubt the funniest.

That I will agree whole heartedly with

Written by X-Ray Rod on 29.10.2009 at 23:25

How old-school Are we talking exactly? Can Max Cavalera count?

Mainly in reference to Bay Area Thrash and other bands of a relatively similar sound and era.

Written by ToMegaTherion on 30.10.2009 at 23:43

Written by X-Ray Rod on 29.10.2009 at 23:25

How old-school Are we talking exactly? Can Max Cavalera count?

Mainly in reference to Bay Area Thrash and other bands of a relatively similar sound and era.

Then you can jsut change the name of the poll imo.

Written by X-Ray Rod on 30.10.2009 at 23:51

Written by ToMegaTherion on 30.10.2009 at 23:43

Written by X-Ray Rod on 29.10.2009 at 23:25

How old-school Are we talking exactly? Can Max Cavalera count?

Mainly in reference to Bay Area Thrash and other bands of a relatively similar sound and era.

Then you can jsut change the name of the poll imo.

I cant, that name of the thread and poll are locked unless I delete the thread.

Chuck Billy has always been my fave thrash singer. He has a very unique voice, and can also do a great death growl. I find him to be the most versatile thrash vocalist, as well as having a very haunting clean voice. My fave harsh metal vocalist, is Mille Petrozza from Kreator. Joey Belladonna and Russ Anderson (Forbidden) are definitely the best singers in thrash. I just find Chuck Billy to be more versatile than any of the other thrash vocalists, and his voice is very commanding.

Bobby Blitz, I can't quite put my finger on it, but I have yet to find anybody that sounds like him.

Between the guy from Dark Fucking Angel and Neil Turbin for me. i just find they have a great RAW voice perfect for Thrash. gonna go with the guy from Dark Angel.

the city is guilty, the crime is life, the sentence is death, darkness descends
the city is guilty, the crime is life, the sentence is death, darkness descends
the city is guilty, the crime is life, the sentence is death, darkness descends
the city is guilty, the crime is life, the sentence is death, DARKNESS DESCENDS!!!!!!!

I vote other its might Ale? Brichta from Arakain, even Arakain re cordert moust thrashy albums in early 80's but since Čehoslovakia was under red scum siege thet time, all albums was realised after fall of red deasise, but it doesnt metter since eraly Arakain counts like thrash , some songs is same like Testament Ballad , I dont wanna think about other, and actualy singer list singer is same like list in same oder bands what you like so from poll its like

James, Chuck Billy, Dave, Bobby, Marc Joey and Paul (Heaten, HIrax and Exodus such order)

Mille Petrozza from Kreator is my favorite.
I also like Tom Angelripper from Sodom and Ron Roice from Coroner more then the ones on this list.
I saw a post above with the question: can Max Cavalera count?
IMO he does count: are Bestial Devastation anD Morbid Visions not old-school enough?
From this list I like the very early Tom Araya most but I voted other cause I like at least 3 guys more.

If Sean Killian was up there, I would have voted for him. However, I went with Blitz. His voice comes screaming out of the speakers like a bat out of hell. So underrated and unique, he has always reminded me of what a goblin would sound like if they sang for a thrash band . I know that sounds strange, but it is that nasaly, evil sound that really fits their punky style of east coast thrash well.

Chuck Billy (Testament) i will just say man of 100 voices but i must add james,i like his strong voice full of energy and anger.

Chuck Billy and Tom Araya in my mind. They are two completely different styles, but each are perfect for the music they play. Not to mention their voices have gotten better with age.

I like too Ron Broder and Darren Travis but from the list my favorite is Bobby

Okay, I love Hetfield's voice but most of that love is because of the warmth he got later after the "old school"-years. Therefore I voted for Araya. His voice is/was one of the rawest out there and fitted the Slayer thrash just perfectly.

I love how Paul Baloff talks on the Live Dynamo concert. So fucking thrash. SOOOO HOW THE FUUUCK ARE YOU GUUUUUUYYS?! THIS IS FOR ALL YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU FUCKERS OUT THERE!

Awesome.

Why is Mustaine on this list? His own mother hates his voice.

I find this a bit difficult. If you're talking about singing and not growling or snarling or something like that, then I vote Belladonna. If it were loud, badass and empowerment that you're looking for in a singer, I'd vote Araya or Billy.

I 've posted here before but I 've got someone who's not going to be mentionned.
I often ask myself: what if Ventor from Kreator would have formed his own band back in the days and did the vocals?
I like his voice a lot and I love all songs he did the vocals.
Anyone?

Written by Koen Smits on 09.09.2010 at 18:25

I 've posted here before but I 've got someone who's not going to be mentionned.
I often ask myself: what if Ventor from Kreator would have formed his own band back in the days and did the vocals?
I like his voice a lot and I love all songs he did the vocals.
Anyone?

I definitely would have liked it if Ventor had continued doing vocals. His voice was great, though very different to Mille's, and he sung on some of the best early Keator songs. He still does on ocassion sing "Riot Of Violence" live, and he still sounds great. I wish he would start doing vocals again on new Kreator material, particularly as Mille's voice isnt as strong as it once was.

Araya for me. I have been more happy to have someone shout at me.

Blitz and Mustaine would be 2nd and 3rd.