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Midnight Metal: Larger-Than-Life Metal Vocalists

The metal genre demands that its bands have incredible vocalists. I mean, you totally have to have pipes to make it in the metal world. Singers such as Bruce Dickinson…

Judas Priest Perform At The Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Rob Halford of Judas Priest perform at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on November 10, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

The metal genre demands that its bands have incredible vocalists. I mean, you totally have to have pipes to make it in the metal world. Singers such as Bruce Dickinson and Rob Halford were born with God-given voices that perfectly fit the metal genre.

On an upcoming episode of Midnight Metal, I'll talk about some of my favorite larger-than-life metal vocalists. I only considered people who are still alive, so obviously greats such as Ronnie James Dio are not on this list.

My favorite larger-than-life metal vocalists is Rob Halford. I really think you can't beat his combination of great pipes, onstage charisma and a fascinating life story. I also feel that Maynard James Keenan, Bruce Dickinson, Alice Cooper and many more deserve the honors. Find Anne's full list of the best larger-than-life metal vocalists here. Who is your favorite? Let us know on our social media!

Metallica released Master of Puppets on March 3, 1986, and years later, it remains one of metal's most iconic masterpieces.

In honor of its anniversary, we take a look back on that album, as well as other '80s metal albums we think everyone should own.

The list in the gallery below also doubles as a convenient “metal starter kit” (if you will) for the youths dipping their toe into metal for the first time, because frankly, someone has to think about the children.

Metallica – 'Master Of Puppets'

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More like 'Masterpiece of Puppets.'  Everyone should obey this album.


Dio – ’Holy Diver’

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The late Ronnie James Dio was 5’4”, but his voice could move mountains, and it’s on full display on this iconic metal album.


Motorhead – 'Ace Of Spades'

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We’re certainly born to lose, but we live for this Motorhead album.


Iron Maiden – 'The Number Of The Beast'

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It was difficult to pick just one album from Maiden to include on this list, but we picked The Number Of The Beast for its historical significance of it being the first Maiden album to feature Bruce Dickinson. (FYI:  Runner-up was 'Powerslave.')


Megadeth – 'Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?'

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Speaking of “buying,” BUY THIS ALBUM RIGHT NOW IF YOU SOMEHOW DON'T HAVE IT!


Slayer – 'Reign In Blood'

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If someone creates a “best metal albums” list and a Slayer album isn’t on it, does it actually exist?  No…it doesn’t, and if your metal collection doesn’t include this iconic album, it’s just sorely lacking.


Judas Priest – 'British Steel'

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Like actual steel, this Priest classic is f*cking solid.


Motley Crue – 'Shout At The Devil'

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Badass and glam-influenced and proud of it! Also, that title track, though…

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.