I don't know if there's already a topic about this, but yeah. The title pretty much speaks for itself. Who is the best lyricist in metal? Feel free to provide examples of their genius penmanship.

Mine would be Martin Walkyier. I think if you've heard of him, you'd agree. He's funny, witty, creative and very passionate about his lyrics. I honestly can't think of a more creative lyricist than Walkyier.



- Spinning Jenny by Skyclad

This thread comes up constantly. Here's the answers that are bound to come up: Dax Riggs, JR Hayes, and Lord Worm. Why? Darkly evocative and imagery filled amazingness.

Suffocation had some of the most grim lyrics.

Dani Filth. Regardless of whether or not you like Cradle's music, you hafta admit that he is a master lyricist.

Immolation immediately comes to mind. Will think of more later.

Deathspell Omega's lyrical content is nothing short spectacular. A Master's or Doctorate in Theology is needed to decipher their lyrical content.

Byron of Bal-Sagoth. Although simply calling him a lyricist doesn't really do him justice.

I've always thought Jerry Cantrell was a pretty excellent lyricist.

He gets my vote too.

John Arch is one of the great storytellers of metal. His soaring, operatic vocal style is an odyssey of its own, and his lyrics are vivid and concise, telling a different fantasy story in each song on "The Spectre Within" and more heavily referencing other fantasy and folklore on "Awaken the Guardian". His vocals and storytelling style are a perfect match for the progressive and explorative style of heavy/power metal that Fates Warning played at the time, pairing great dynamics and exceptional composition with these epic tales. The band was (and still is) incredibly talented in both performance and composition, putting so much into the flowing and flying stories told by their songs. More details on that after a brief paragraph on his works for those who don't know him.

His performances graced the first three Fates Warning albums ('84, '85, '86), a solo EP that features former FW bandmates and Mike Portnoy ('03), and a reunion with FW mainman Jim Matheos under the name Arch/Matheos ('11). While they are all good, the second and third Fates Warning albums, "The Spectre Within" and "Awaken the Guardian" are absolutely revered and rarely a negative word is spoken about them - even UltraBoris couldn't give them less than stellar reviews!
http://www.metal-archives.com/artists/John_Arch/60


The stories found on The Spectre Within are self-contained, seven stories that draw from the lore of seven subjects, drawing influence and borrowing some conventions, singing prose where a knowledge of the background of the subjects enhances the experience and allows the stories to draw on your experiences with subjects to fill out part of the story. These stories are enjoyable on their own, rooted in common concepts that everyone has heard stories of - time travel, gypsies, escape, pirates, a search for the treasure of myth and legend, absolution and temptation, and finally death.

The lyrics tell stories, but they rarely focus on descriptions, rather they allow the listener to complete the story through one's own experiences with these common fantasy themes. Arch's writing uses an incredible amount of detail, but he is very creative in leaving certain ideas and images open to interpretation. There is rarely a mention or suggestion of time period - "Traveler in Time" can conjure the thoughts of an ancient of medieval wise man if you embrace that, or you may think of a certain modern film from the line "the clock strikes the hour, he climbs to the belfry."

One song requires a bit of arcane knowledge. The pre-chorus of "Kyrie Eleison" begins with "The lady in black asks what do you see" and the chorus of "Kyrie Eleison, Christie Eleison" sounds like it could be ladies names. "Kyrie Eleison, Christe Eleison" means "Lord, have mercy, Christ, have mercy."


Awaken the Guardian adapts several tales and explores some general concepts of literature and lore while authoring new stories. This one can be difficult to follow and contains many esoteric references, easier to follow with a lyric sheet and willingness to research and read into things that Arch hints at. The stories are vivid and poetic, enjoyable on any level, but very rewarding to interpret and explore.

Clues to the concepts that Arch wove into this album are spread throughout. One theme is the idea of arcane or esoteric knowledge, the interpretation of which is left open to the listener. The last song, "Exodus", provides a bit of closure to the album, blending the general concept of the biblical exodus with the journey to "Arcana", which seems to be the fantasy land of the album. The unification of all of these fantasies and folklores of different origins is very mindful, as Arch brings together all of the stories through the shared concepts. The extent to which these concepts are woven together through Arch's works is fascinating, with certain recurring references and phrases.

-"The Sorceress" and "Fata Morgana" directly mention Morrigan, of Irish mythology, as well as the shore of Kildare. In addition to Morrigan, Morgana (Morgan le Fay), and Arthurian legend is blended into the the same story line, with Merlin being mentioned as well.
-"Valley of the Dolls" refers to the story of the novel by the same name, noted as the first highly successful Roman à clef by a female author in America.
-"Guardian" features less specifics, rather it focuses on a story with the concept of the guardian. The concept of a guardian angel is central to "Prelude to Ruin".
-"Giant's Lore (Heart of Winter)" tells the tale of a sleeping giant in the hills of Leland (Norway). This is another fantasy tale of a guardian of children.
-"Exodus" wraps up the album by addressing the overarching concepts of the album (no pun intended). One section puts together the concepts quite well:

"False guardian I will compel false as the fear of heaven and hell
I should have known its all a mirage just as well
The power of good will not be shown by conquering fear"

The final two lines in "Exodus" provide an excellent description of the nature of these entire concepts:

"Traject the esoteric sisters they are mythical
Arcana awaits you"

Rather than focusing on who the esoteric sisters are and why they are mythical, the words speak here. Arcane. Esoteric. Mystical. The idea of arcane, esoteric, [also, occult] knowledge - that which is unknown and understood by few, mysterious, secret, and obscure. These stories can not be explained by a series of concurrent references, nor can a certain meaning be fairly attributes. Overarching themes and interwoven references paint unique stories that can be endlessly explored through a search for old knowledge of the mythos which Arch drew from and new tales of these ageless themes.


Some thoughts to leave you with:

-"Night on Bröcken" was followed by "The Spectre Within", and the first track of the third album, "The Sorceress", mentions the Bröcken Spectre. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brocken_spectre

-Another mirage mentioned on another song that is partially drawn from the same story as "The Sorceress" is Fata Morgana. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fata_Morgana_(mirage)

-"Exodus" refers to Arcana, which seems to be a world of the arcane. The tarot deck is made up of the major arcana and the minor arcana. "Kyrie Eleison" mentions tarot:
"The lady in black said your lifeline is damned.
The tarot of death card she held in her hand."

-"Valley of the Dolls" has a line using the title of another song, "Pirates of the Underground". While on the surface, the stories are different, the themes and implications are similar in parts. The latter mentions another story that might remind you of something in the story of the former - "follow the yellow brick road".

There are many more links between songs, direct and indirect, shared concepts, linked stories, and suggestions. The arcane can be explored, and the reward is understanding.

The Curator...

I think that, though this may be an extremely obvious choice, Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath is one of the best lyricists as he could write about pretty much anything and paint a very vivid picture with his words. Most of the songs he has written are very dark and meaningful, dealing with such subjects as the occult, witchcraft, war, and religion. I also really like Ronnie James Dio's fantasy themed metaphorical lyrics and King Diamond's awesomely grim storytelling.

This. End of fucking thread.

Most lyricist in metal are too blunt or reek of purple prose, because they are, for more or less, amateurs when it comes to writing. I would throw into the hat Jute Gyte and Ash Pool, both bands display a PHENOMENAL sense of pacing and subtlety, in spite of the provocative nature of their music.

Whoever is doing Be'lakor's deserves some kind of medal. I'll go and look that up in their liner notes.

Seriously though, it's just the right mix of the epic and abstract to fit the tone of their music.

I liked the lyrics ln Pestilence's Spheres

Markus Stock from Empyrium has written very meaningful lyrics, just check the entire Songs of Moors and Misty Fields album. Weiland is also excellent in that department, but it's in german.

Tear/Corvus from Desire (prt). The guy has some Pessoa influence that makes him stand out.

Alan from Primordial; while I'm not a fan of the band, the lyrics are mostly great.

Aaron Stainthorpe comes often with good lyric offerings. Few MDB songs/albums are average in that department.

Mick Moss from Antimatter wrote some very deep lyrics in both Planetary Confinement and Leaving Eden. Related is Anathema, which is generally well done music and lyrics.

Whoever writes the lyrics in Saturnus is a genius.

Some other bands with great lyrics: Forest of Shadows, Shape of Despair, Novembre, Opeth,

When these threads come up I always think of only one, the already mentioned Martin Walkyier. Unlike above though I find his best to be Sabbat's concept album "Dreamweaver". The lyrics here must be some of the best in metal imo, they are a great read and very technical if you know what I mean when heard along with music, the speed he delivers them at and the sheer amount of words per song is intense.

Keith of D666.

Whoever writes Akercocke's lyrics (presumably David Gray)
Lord Worm
Ross Dolan
Whoever writes Alice in Chains' lyrics
ATF Sinner

I'd say Mikeal (of Opeth/Bloodbath). His lyrics are honest, deep, profound and quite simply, impressive. I also think that Tomas Haake is bloody good at what he writes.

Forgot about Jon Arch. I'd probably put him at a tie him with Walkyier.

Dani Filth is definitely one of the few who's lyrics can stand on their own.

Also regardless of what you think of their music Scott from Carnifex writes some great lyrics.

Jeff Walker deserves a mention too for Carcass's medical/slightly sarcastic lyrics.

Tomas Haake of Meshuggah, for sure.
If Escher was a nihilist, this would be his poetry.

First that came to mind was Walkyier, especially his Sabbat stuff.

I like Tuomas Holopainen's lyrics on the first 3 Nightwish albums too

The guys from Cormorant have pulled some awesome poetry on their albums. I really dig their style.




Im a sort of fan boy for this band but whatever...Carach Angren lyrics are AWESOME!





I agree with Lord Worm and Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth, i would also add Daniel G. from Pain of Salvation.

Agreed on the Arch, Hayes, and Worm. Mention of Riggs has been another reminder that I need to try out Acid Bath.

I recently posted something about Scholomance in the "Unique/Interesting Bands" thread, and I feel like adding the lyrics of Scott Crinklaw to this one. They don't read like verse at all, more like random excerpts from a Victorian opium addict's dream journal, and as such do indeed get mired in the purple, but hey, some of us like overblown and almost impenetrable verbiage.

For the record I have no idea what any of these passages mean or imply, but judging from an interview where Crinklaw said that the secondary lyricist, Jimmy Pitts, drew inspiration from biographies of Russian composer Alexander Scriabin, I'm guessing any sort of decoding would take more effort than I've been willing to give. But they're interesting to read.

Anyway, as I said, these are Crinklaw's, not Pitts'. Prepare for wall of what-the-fuck.

It's a tough question. I'd say that David Gray from Akercocke is the master of "occult" lyrics, but that's just my opinion.



And Barney Greenway is easily the master of the more political side of metal. It's hard to pick one specific instance, because just about all of his lyrics are amazing, but here is one:



And finally, Dan Swano's lyrics on "Moontower" are some of my favorites ever. I have never read lyrics which were so emotional or meaningful, in any genre of music:

Don't bother.

I'm more into lyrics that tell a story. King Diamond, Dwayne from The Ziggurat. John Arch is always awesome. Great imagery there. Howie Bentley writes some really cool stuff too. He definitely did a good job nailing the gothic imagery on For Mircalla.

Just wanted to second Deathspell Omega. I feel as though they're lyrics aren't as appreciated as they're riffs, but should be.

Bam. Was just listening to his latest LP when I read this.

See Filth, Dani:

"Mistress let the mists descend
Thy tears cannot thaw Death's cold heart
His sombre gaze defies legend
More so than thine, else thy dew-lidded eyes
Art for the Banshees song
Or our souls entwined like vein upon
The haunted shores of Avalon" (Haunted Shores)

"But soon,
Her tarot proved
Hybrid rumours spread like tumours
Would accrue
And blight Her stars
However scarred
To better bitter truths
Of cold bloodbaths" (Bathory Aria)

Again, say what you will about music, but those are some top-notch lyrics.

Buddy Lackey! His lyrics on 'A Social Grace' are amazing, and some of the most meaningful I've ever read. Let's take a verse from 'I of the Storm', for example.

I've seen the towers
lying crumbled at my feet
and I've seen the cities
and the wastelands that remain
and I've seen the victory
and the prize that none shall keep
and the short time
that the glory hides the pain

That's just a wonderful way of describing the vanity and pointlessness of building up material wealth, when in the end it turns to dust and you're left with nothing. I don't feel like writing a huge post and analyzing his lyrics, but they're worth reading. I'll leave you with one verse from the song 'A Psychotic Waltz' that really speaks to me. It's like he read my mind... in the future. @_@

Sometimes I wonder what will ever become of me
And if life's worth its living at all
Sometimes I smile at the ones who think they've got life down
And they say that I'm living it wrong

Sorrow and Desolate from Austere -
A longing sense...
To fulfil my days of empty slumber.
The remnants of life,
Like ashes, scattered across the ground.
It all seems worthless...

From the window pane,
I gaze upon the autumn tress.
Raining leaves and gnarling mists,
Like my very essence, grey...
Travelling through nothingness.

My life is fucking empty.
To exist in fragile light...

Silence...
Cold...
Alone...

Death, with no redemption,
We're all heading towards the end.
It is with us, from the dawn,
The dawn of our miserable lives.

We all live in a delusion,
As life holds nothing but death...

and Azgorh from Drowning The Light - Not going to give an example, but he is an incredible lyricist and has many great quotes.

You have made an enemy this day.

Doug Keyser
Gene Hoglan
Spike Xavier
John Arch

Two, to be precise.

To add to the discussion; I'll agree with any mention of Dio, Arch, Worm, Walkyier, and Riggs, plus I'll throw Mike Howe in the mix for good measure. His lyrics were always direct, yet powerful and memorable in their imagery, and his delivery brought them to life in an uncanny way. Here are the lyrics to Metal Church's Waiting for a Savior, to get my point across:


This is a rather interesting reflection on the futility of material gain, the bitterness that comes with age, and ultimately, fear of death. It's quite curious (and accurate), really, the way in which he paints religion as a mean to keep the existential horror that is eternal nothingness at bay.

Matt Johnsen from Pharaoh is one of my favorites. The way he strings together words is phenomenal and the stories and messages he tells, wrapped up tight in metaphor and rich prose, are just exquisite. A true metal poet.



Or, even better...

Gonna have to agree with this one. Also, I find that TBDM can have some great lyrics. Very good stuff in my opinion.

They really do, Trevor has really been improving over the years and developped a pretty distinctive style. Starting from Nocturnal (especially the Chthulhu horror of Everything Went Black.)

Yeah, Nocturnal will remain my favourite album of theirs. Ritual coming in at a close second. The Grave Robber's Work and On Stirring Seas of Salted Blood have some of my favourite lyrics of all time.

John Arch is pretty much as good as it gets, in my estimation.

Distant vision, tempting waters
Fall to my knees, I'm going to drink it dry
Blazing desert sun reflection
On the water, he caught my eye
Up in a tree, laughing at me
Vulture of fear why don't you go away?
"You're mine one day
Spit out the sand
Be on your way"