Heroes:
My influences and Metal heroes consist of what I call "The Holy Trinity".
- Rob Halford, "THE METAL GOD".
I call Halford "The Father", because of his influence on just about every metal singer from 1976 on. His soaring High screams are legendary, often imitated, never equaled. This is one vocalist who is always better live than in the studio, and once you have seen him perform, you will know why he is called "The Metal God"!I have seen Judas Priest in concert probably about 8 times. I have seen Rob Halford's Bands Fight and Two, and I will go see any band that Rob Halford fronts because this man is simply incredible. Any chance I get to go see him, I go, and get blown away every time.Rob Halford is also credited with starting the Metal "look" of leather and studs."
- Geoff Tate of Queensryche.
I call Geoff "The Son", because he is what I consider the next generation of Rob Halfords style. What I love about Geoff's voice is that it is a little more elegant and refined. Technically I can't think of anyone who is better! With a 4 octive range, Geoff has mastered the art of dynamics, equally as effective speaking in low growls, or screaming in soaring highs that cut right through to your soul. Their is an Operetic quality to his style, and a technical virtuosity that leaves one breathless. (Check out the song "Take Hold of the Flame", and you will see what I mean!) The other thing about Geoff's voice is what I can only describe as "desperate emotion" or "Urgency".I have seen Geoff in concert many times, and he gives a VERY physical performance, always going full boer, and does not simplify his vocals much from the recorded versions of his music, which leaves me wondering how the hell he does it!My favorite Queensryche album is "Rage for Order"; A very sinister, dark and moody record. Check out "Close to you" and "Walk in the Shadows"."
- Ronnie James Dio
I call Dio "The Holy Ghost" because he is The Master, The Creator, and The Spirit of Force behind all power metal vocals. Dio is probably the most influential vocalist of the genre. Dio is why I became a singer. Dio is my hero, my idol, and the biggest influence on my style.
Dio's voice can be described in two words. POWER. TONE. The Power behind his vocals leaps off the record and almost knocks you backwards, and at the same time there is this rich, deep, beautiful TONE, that seduces and mesmorizes at the same time. I never heard Caruso, the famouse Opera singer who's legendary voice was the ipidemy of an ideal male voice, but I like to think of Dio as the "Metal Caruso". His style spawned generations of awsome metal vocalists, and he is still going strong today.
I have seen Dio live countless times, in both Black Sabbath, and DIO. I always leave feeling inpired, awestruck, and amazed. Dio is also credited with the Demon horns hand gesture, associated with Metal. He is known for his Demon art Album covers, and has been accused of promoting satanism by the press and ignorant religeous groups. Cool!Long May you Live...Long May you Reign...DIO, my Ultimate Metal Hero!
And Last, but not least...Please Meet...
- The Late Great Carl Albert, of Vicious Rumors
This vocalist encapsulates every amazing quality listed above in the "Holy Trinity", and more. The first time I saw Carl onstage, I was completley blown away. By the 3rd or 4th time I saw him live, I decided to just give up singing all together, because when you see someone that does it better than you could ever dream, you just say to yourself, WHY BOTHER? Of course, I didn't give up, but Carl was so incredible, he seemed almost in-human.
Carl's voice can be described as haveing the Power and Tone of Dio, the high screams and raw edgeiness of Halford, and the technical range and skill of Geoff Tate. All in his own style of course, which is always the mark of a great singer. Although Vicious Rumors never made it past the Mid-Level success, those who have been fortunate to see him live on thier US, European, or Japan tours in the early to mid 1990's will all concur that he was a true legend.
I have seen Carl live about a dozen or more times, since his band was local to my area. Carl is one person I don't think anyone will ever live up too as far as Metal vocal talent. Sadly Carl was killed in a Car accident in 1995, and we all mourn his passing every single day.Born only a few days and 70 miles apart, I really relate to Carl. Both of our main singing idol was DIO, and we grew up watching the same bands in the local scene, and I only wish I had a chance to get to know him before he passed. Ironically I am in a band with two of his former band-mates from Vicious Rumors, which makes me feel that I better do the best job I can on this record we are working on, or Carl will roll over in his grave!If you want to learn more about Carl Albert and Vicious Rumors, you can find thier video "Don't Wait For Me" and "Children" on youtube. Best Albums would be: Digital Dictator Vicious Rumors(self titled) Welcome To the Ball- And Those are my METAL HEROES!
