Best lyricist......

[No-Mercy]

oh man the 3 bands that come instantly to my mind are Iron Maiden, Brainstorm, and Symphony X.

like mentioned above, maiden's lyrics are almost always intellectually above par, very good IMO.

brainstorm is awesome at it too i think. not that it matters, but they come up with such meaningful lines that rhyme which i always thought was cool. they use alot of metaphorical things (at least they are to me) in their lyrics, and they generally are incredibly clever.

symphony x is just, amazing. they use so many natural and spiritual things to relate to their feelings or the message trying to get across, and the way they do it i think is brilliant.

 

[Wyvern]

Since many here don't speak Spanish this will sound alien to most, but Baron Rojo has very neat lyrics especially on their early albums (the ones I like). I have found in my experience that usually I care more for lyrics when I'm hearing Spanish bands than when I hear English bands (of course I relate that to be Spanish my native language).

On the othe hand I love bands like Manigance and Sortilege even if I don't understand shit in French , and I even try to sing along (which probably makes Fang puke if he hears me).

 

[Wheezer]

I like Degarmo/Tate

They're prolly my favorites. Robert Plant has had his moments.

 

[SavaRon]

Jon Oliva
Mustaine
Sting

 

[JonnyD]

Sting

Hell Yeah!!!

 

[Fangface]

Ah yeah Metal Church, I forgot them, fortunately Bryant is always there to remind us of their greatness
I got to agree with Carnut on Evergrey as well.

On the othe hand I love bands like Manigance and Sortilege even if I don't understand shit in French , and I even try to sing along (which probably makes Fang puke if he hears me).

Ahah well Sortilège lyrics are... let's say... 80's-flavoured Cheesy as hell at times but very funny to sing, also a bit poetic sometimes. Manigance lyrics are more serious obviously...

 

[T_man357]

Mike Muir is my favourite.

Mine Too!!!

 

[carnut]

Since many here don't speak Spanish this will sound alien to most, but Baron Rojo has very neat lyrics especially on their early albums (the ones I like). I have found in my experience that usually I care more for lyrics when I'm hearing Spanish bands than when I hear English bands (of course I relate that to be Spanish my native language).

In the same sence I have to mention Vandale, a Dutch Metalband that also sang in Dutch (about the only one I know of). their texts were very society-related and damn to the point (as well as some of their records were great). Unfortunatly most of you won't understand a silly word of it... I din't know Baron Rojo well but I sang along with all Obus Spanish songs ... Dinero, Dinero, dadadada, and something after that

 

[JonnyD]

Another Favorite of mine is Gary Meskil of Pro-Pain his lyrics are very Real Life sometimes politically charged sometimes just life in general but always very real.... and Blitz ofcourse! I dont always know exzactly what the hell he is talking about hahaha but sometimes he has some of the most profound lyrics

 

[SickBoy]

Some that do jump out for me are Queensryche, Evergrey & last Ayreon album.

Damn, I totally forgot about Evergrey!
Some mighty fine lyrics there...

 

[Break Zero]

Indeed, especially like you pointed in the Howe era. 'Fake Healer', 'In Harm's Way', 'God Of Second Chance' are just miimal examples of the quality of the lyrics.

'Lest we forget one of the top 5 ballads of all time, "Waiting For A Savior"

And oohhhhhh lorrrrdd I'm comin' hooomeee....

 

[Psychonaut]

Dani Filth. Although a lot of people don't like the band, he's an amazing lyricist and has my vote hands down.

 

[Wyvern]

'Lest we forget one of the top 5 ballads of all time, "Waiting For A Savior"

And oohhhhhh lorrrrdd I'm comin' hooomeee....

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

I love that album