DS Playlist: Most Unique Vocalists in Punk

The rock music community has had many incredible frontmen from Freddy Mercury to David Bowie, and so much more. However, most mainstream rock outlets don’t highlight certain artists in the punk or emo specific scenes that have also paved their way. This list is meant to promote some of the best vocalists that don’t always get the credit they deserve. 

These are all musicians who utilize their voice as an instrument on its own. They are quite frankly, the best to ever do it. They could use their voice on any genre of music, and it would still be instantly recognizable. If you know of these bands, you also know the lead singer’s name. That alone speaks volumes of their talent as a performer. Every artist on this list still feels underrated considering the astounding performances we’ve heard from them. To hear songs from these artists, fire up the handy dandy Spotify playlist here and check out the write-up while you rock out!

• Vic Fuentes (Pierce The Veil) – A huge reason Pierce the Veil is as successful as they are is Vic Fuentes, their frontman. He has a high pitch timbre to his voice but it never feels strained or forced. His delivery is always effortless but memorable. What’s even more surprising, is just how incredible he is live as well. Pierce the Veil notoriously take forever to write records, with every member of the band being a perfectionist. So when he sounds amazing on the studio recordings, that makes sense. However in a live setting, he still belts out such crazy octaves and barbaric screams. He is not only a jack of all trades, but easily the voice of a generation. 
• Claudio Sanchez (Coheed and Cambria) – Claudio Sanchez is another vocalist using his higher register. However, Claudio is unlike most singers. He has a tone to his voice that makes it eerily collected even when he is singing aggressively. Coheed and Cambria’s music also lends itself to Claudio’s vocals perfectly. The music is so theatrical and massive sounding, it gives him the space to occupy such a large sound. With their albums being story driven as well, Claudio is able to jump from character to character with ease. He has the range, the personality, and the vigor to make him one of the most interesting vocalists you’ll ever hear. 
• Remington Leith (Palaye Royale) – Remington is a very hard vocalist to describe. He has rasp, but is also very clean when he signs. He has grit and screams, but also has pop sensibilities to his voice. He has showmanship, but is also very minimalistic. Maybe the reason Remington is such a hard vocalist to label, is the reason he is as successful as he is. The first time I personally, had ever heard a Palaye song, was live at Warped tour in 2018. I remember being floored by not only his stage presence, but also his singing capabilities. This band is creatively ahead of other bands in their scene and has an unparalleled originality to them. Remington’s voice is not something you’ll forget and it’s why this band is unstoppable.
• Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides, Andy Black) – Whether you’re a gatekeeper, a hater, or a lifelong fan, everyone has to acknowledge just how talented Andy Biersack is. His voice is incredibly rich and crystal clear. When he wants to hit a harsh rasp he can but he also has the ability to sing flawlessly on key. Andy’s tones are so low which separates him from his peers. Having such dark and heavy riffs contrast flawlessly with his signature singing range. The deep sounds he’s capable of stirs something inside the audience. It makes the listener feel so empowered they can fight an entire army. Andy’s voice is not breathy or airy. He has complete control of his singing and it shows. 
• Jordan Dreyer (La Dispute) – Jordan from La Dispute was hesitant to even call himself a singer until recently. The reason this is so surprising is because he’s easily the most recognizable vocalist in the scene currently. What makes Jordan Dreyer a cut above the rest is his unconventionality. Not all lines have to rhyme. Not all lines have to be on key. Not all lines even have to be sung. He does anything and everything in his power to get his message across in the correct emotional state. When he speak-sings, it’s haunting and filled with passion. He has the most soul crushing scream to emphasize important lyrical moments. Jordan can also sing conventionally and does it beautifully. Jordan Dreyer is the best lyricist to arrive in the last decade by far. 
• Spencer Charnas (Ice Nine Kills) – Spencer Charnas is tasked with a very difficult challenge. His music is based on famous horror icons, movies, literature, and fictional stories. Therefore with every song he is tasked with embodying multiple different characters. Whether he has to menacingly spit out his lines as Jack Torrance from the Shining, or he’s pleading for his life in movies like Hostel, he has to sell it. That’s why he is such an exceptional vocalist. He’s as much of an actor as he is a singer. Not only are the characters difficult musically, but the screams he delivers are guttural and ferocious. He truly is and always has been, a cut above the rest.
• Craig Owens (Chiodos, Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows, BadXChannels) – Not many vocalists can headline a Warped Tour and also be featured on a Dr Dre album. Craig is synonymous with the scene and for good reason. Even his side projects have more hype than most bands can dream of. It’s easy to see why he’s so well respected once you hear his vocal delivery. He has a witty and quick nature with his vocals, giving everything he does a sense of urgency. When he belts on a chorus, you feel that in your soul. Craig has single handedly been the soundtrack to the early 2000’s and is still delivering his best work to date. The new album Until God Shows by D.R.U.G.S. has potential to be arguably his best record. Craig Owens should be a household name for anyone who enjoys guitar driven music.
• Anthony Green (L.S. Dunes, Circa Survive, Saosin, Solo material, The Sound of Animals Fighting) – Anthony Green is the kind of vocalist where you will never forget the first time you heard him. He has the most unique cadence that almost feels dream-like. Anthony could sing the alphabet but make it as enthralling as an epic journey. His voice is definitely higher in pitch, but also with a great deal of rasp. The key aspect is he never sounds labored. Even when he’s screaming his guts out, it’s effortless. He always has perfect tones, pitch, and vibrato. He’s the kind of vocalist that, quite simply put, feels too good to be true. Even seeing hundreds of bands trying to cover him online, showcases just how difficult it is to accurately capture his essence. It cannot be replicated, nor it is not a passing fad. Anthony Green’s musicianship and influence will be felt in the rock music scene for decades to come. 
• Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance, Solo material) – This one needs no introduction. Gerard Way from My Chemical Romance has more personality in one of his songs than most bands have in their whole career. His voice sounds playful, terrifying, haunting, hopeful, and can even border on scornful. There is no genre he can’t sing. There are no riffs that don’t sound good under his singing. He’s the kind of vocalist that makes music better existing in the scene. My Chemical Romance has dropped 1 song in the last 5 years and Gerard hasn’t dropped a solo song since 2020. However, people are still clamoring for new music, a crumb of any piece of content. That’s how impactful he is.