Best Metal Songwriters

[Cheiron]

So who are your favorites? Initially, I was going to focus this question on just lyrics. But I know some might want to list songwriters based on the musical compositions. So just indicate perhaps why you've listed somebody. But I am really interested in seeing who people think are some of the best lyricists.

I'll post later on with my selections when I've thought on it more.

 

[edgeofthorns]

Ronnie James Dio
Jon Oliva/Paul O'Neill

These three by a longshot for me!

 

[Jibrille]

Arjen Lucassen
Tuomas Holopainen

Both have written the majority of my favourite songs.

 

[Nightmare1z]

Tobias Sammet (Edguy/Avantasia)
Tuomas Holopainen (Nightwish)

The consistency of these two is incredible IMO.

 

[thisisjuicyman]

top 5: musically
-Adam Jones,Justin Chancellor,Danny Carey (Tool)
-Andre, Marcus, Thomen/Fredrik (Blind Guardian)
-Don Anderson, John Haughm, Jason William Walton, Chris Green (Agalloch)
-Mikael Akerfeltd (Opeth)
-Bjorn Gelotte, Jesper Stromblad (In Flames)

Top 5 Lyrically:
-Maynard James Keenan (Tool)
-Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian)
-Ihsahn (Emperor)
-John Haughm (Agalloch)
-Quorthon (Bathory)

 

[Mustang]

Jon Oliva
Keith Sudano
Bon Jovi

 

[Jim LotFP]

John Cobbett.

 

[J-Man]

Arjen Lucassen
Tuomas Holopainen

Both have written the majority of my favourite songs.

By far the two best in my opinion.

 

[booB]

Jon Oliva is far and away the best IMO. There are a lot that get honorable mention from me.

 

[adaher]

Tobias Sammet and Magnus Karlsson.

Both are prolific yet never stop putting out great songs with amazing hooks and singalong choruses.

 

[valerus]

Steve Harris...

 

[urayoan]

Solo:
Daniel Gildenlow

Combination:
Neil Peart/Alex Lifeson/Geddy Lee

 

[Burnout]

-Don Anderson, John Haughm, Jason William Walton, Chris Green (Agalloch)
-Mikael Akerfeltd (Opeth)

Seconded. I also wouldn't hesitate to include the guys from Nevermore, Orphaned Land and Riverside in this group.

 

[RiffDaemon]

I feel the need to mention Kai Hansen

 

[speedy1383]

Steve Harris-some great epics
Dio-just for writing Stargazer alone
Bruce Dickinson-written some good songs for Maiden and solo
André Andersen-great writer. sometimes get carried away with his instrumentals on the RH albums
Tuomas Holopainen-I just like his stuff. He has gone a bit overboard with the orchestration the last couple of albums though.
George Lynch/Jeff Pilson-for writing Dream Warriors and other great tracks.
Neil Peart-the master
Timo Tolkki-has been doing it for many years. a bit off the rocker though.
Floor Jansen-has written some beautiful songs
Sharon den Adel-same as above
Michael Romeo/Russell Allen-some great stuff over the years. wish they would hurry up with the new album. been way too long.
Roy Khan/Thomas Youngblood-one of the best duos out there. they get better and better with each album. just a great group.
Geezer Butler-fine writer all those years with Sabbath.

 

[Yngvai X]

Peavy Wagner (Rage)
Alexi Laiho (Children of Bodom)
Michael Romeo (Symphony X)
Devin Townsend
Jeff Loomis/Warrel Dane (Nevermore)
Kai Hansen
Mille Petrozza (Kreator)

 

[Hajeka]

Tuomas.

 

[No-Mercy]

Steve Harris, Adrian Smith, Dave Murray, Janick Gers, Bruce Dickinson (maiden)
Andre, Marcus, Thomen/Fredrik (guardian)
Dio (....)
Kai Hansen
Coen (epica)
Tony Kakko (sonata arctica)
Luca turilli (rhapsody/luca turilli)
Tuomas (nightwish)
Tobias (edguy)
Micheal Romeo, Rusell Allen (sympony x)

those are the ones that immediatly come to mind

 

[Wyvern]

Many should be recognized IMO, I will quote some that strikes my mind right now:


Best lyricist in English language: Martin Walkyier (Sabbat, Skyclad, Clan Destined)

Great composers

Bruce Dickinson (solo, Iron Maiden)
Rob Halford (solo, Judas Priest)
Ronnie James Dio (solo, Black Sabbath, Rainbow)
Phil Lynnot (Thin Lizzy)
Anthony Arjen Lucassen (Vengeance, Bodine, Ayreon, Star One, Ambeon, Stream Of Passion)
Steve Harris (Iron Maiden, specially old ones)
Rick Wakeman (solo, Yes)
Derek Sherinian (solo)
Lemmy (Motorhead)
Jorn Lande (Jorn, Ark, Millenium, Masterplan)
Roger Waters (Pink Floyd)
Nibbs Carter (Saxon)


Great composing teams

Graeme English/Steve Ramsey (Satan, Pariah, Skyclad)
Iommi/Butler/Ward (Black Sabbath)
Gillan/Blackmore/Lord/Paice (Deep Purple)
Tipton/Downey/Halford (Judas Priest)
Smith/Dickinson (Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson)
Schaeffer/Kusch (Demons & Wizards)
Lee/Peart/Lifeson (Rush)
Kilminster/Campbell/Dee (Motorhead)
Petrucci/Portnoy (Dream Theater)
Tatler/Harris (Diamond Head)
Roeser/Pearlman/Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult)

 

[Mosquito]

Dan Swano for all of the above.