10 Greatest Metal Singers Of All Time

In the era of the alternative boom, Tool emerged as the true eccentrics of the metal world. Here was a band that had nothing to do with grunge, industrial, or punk, but were still delivering hypnotic metal with zero regard for what their critics thought. In the middle of the band's craziness, Maynard James Keenan was the glue that connected Tool's disparate elements together.

Tool's progression into more complex song constructions allowed Maynard to unlock the true potential of his voice. Every Tool song would always have Keenan's subtle croon as he lulled you into the accompanying madness. As the band would hit sonic peaks, Maynard's scream would come in and completely trip your brain out. If Tool's songs got the slightest bit wacky, Maynard's voice would always bring the listener back to Earth with its ominous presence.

Aside from Tool, Keenan's fabulous work with A Perfect Circle has also showcased some great heavy moments like the ending scream of "Judith" or the trance-like tonality on "Gravity." Out of all the bands to emerge from the 90's, Keenan's vocal tone not only kept metal going, but also pushed metal forward into territory that was previously unheard of.