The Top 12 Best Heavy Metal Keyboardists of All Time

Heavy metal music can jump into a fantastic classical feel, all while capturing a beautiful and catchy melody. Let’s look at some of the top 12 heavy metal keyboardists in the world today to highlight this.

From influential pioneers to underrated musicians, this list highlights the contributions and skills of these best heavy metal keyboardists of all time.

Best Metal Keyboardists

When it comes to the best metal keyboardists, you might be surprised by the range of talent and diversity in playing styles that these musicians bring to the genre.

The world of metal keyboardists is filled with individuals who’ve significantly contributed to the music. They’ve shaped their respective bands’ sound and inspired other musicians to incorporate keyboards into their music.

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Jordan Rudess

As a progressive metal band Dream Theater member, Jordan Rudess has significantly impacted the genre with his technical and unique approach to playing the keyboard.

Rudees was recently featured on Pianote’s YouTube channel, where he tackled the famous “Empire State Of Mind,” it was a treat to watch him figure this track out and add his brilliance.

His virtuosic skills and knowledge to mix classical, jazz, and rock elements into his playing have earned him a reputation as one of the best in the industry. Rudess is known for his lightning-fast fingerwork, complex melodic lines, and skills to create intricate textures and atmospheres with his keyboard.

His contributions to Dream Theater’s music have helped shape the band’s sound and have solidified his place as a highly respected and influential metal keyboardist.

Mustis

Mustis, the former keyboardist of the Norwegian black metal band Dimmu Borgir, is known for his haunting and atmospheric keyboard compositions. His contributions to the band’s sound were significant, adding a layer of darkness and atmosphere to their music.

Mustis displayed impressive technical skills, mastering various keyboard instruments and utilizing them to create complex melodies and solos. His playing style was innovative, pushing the boundaries of black metal music and adding a unique element to Dimmu Borgir’s sound.

Mustis’ compositions influenced the genre, inspiring other musicians to incorporate keyboards. Black metal and keyboard-obsessive music fans continue to celebrate and appreciate his atmospheric keyboard work.

Janne Wirman

Janne Wirman, the keyboardist of Children of Bodom, is known for his exceptional talent and contributions to the band’s unique sound. His technical skills and innovative playing style have made him a standout keyboardist in the metal genre.

Wirman’s skills to seamlessly blends heavy riffs with intricate keyboard melodies adds depth and complexity to Children of Bodom’s music. His precise and fast-paced playing has become a trademark of the band’s sound, elevating their songs to new heights.

In addition to his keyboard skills, Wirman also brings a strong sense of melody and atmosphere to the band’s music. His contributions have been crucial in shaping the overall sound and impact of Children of Bodom.

Jens Johansson

Jens Johansson is widely considered as one of the most talented and influential metal keyboardists of all time. With his exceptional technical skills and innovative playing style, Johansson has left a lasting impact on the genre.

As a member of bands such as Stratovarius and Yngwie Malmsteen, he’s showcased on the keyboard, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in metal music. Johansson’s skills to seamlessly blend classical influences with heavy metal has set him apart from other keyboardists.

His fast and intricate solos and complex chord progressions have become trademarks of his playing. Johansson’s contributions to the metal keyboardist community have solidified his place as a true legend in the genre.

Michael Pinnella

Michael Pinnella‘s exceptional skills and unique playing style have significantly impacted the genre.

Pinnella’s innovative keyboard-playing approach sets him apart. He constantly pushes the boundaries of what can be done with the instrument, exploring new sounds and effects.

As a member of Symphony X, Pinella has played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound. His keyboard work adds depth, atmosphere, and ambiance to their music.

Les Smith

Les Smith‘s keyboard skills have significantly impacted the metal genre. Smith has showcased his technical skills and creative playing style as a keyboardist for the British progressive rock band Anathema. His contributions to the Anathema‘s sound can’t be understated.

Smith’s use of keyboards adds depth, atmosphere, and ambiance to Anathema’s music, creating a unique sonic experience for listeners. His playing enhances the emotional impact of the songs and complements the interplay between guitars and keyboards. Smith’s proficiency in keyboard instruments, such as synthesizers and pianos, is noteworthy.

Josh Silver

When considering the best metal keyboardists of all time, it’s impossible to overlook the contributions of Josh Silver. As the keyboardist for the iconic gothic metal band Type O Negative, Silver has made a lasting impact on the genre.

Here are some reasons why his presence on the list is well-deserved:

Technical Skill: Silver’s keyboard playing is characterized by his skills to mix heavy, distorted sounds with haunting melodies.

He was one of the pioneers of incorporating keyboards into gothic metal’s dark and brooding sound, creating a unique atmosphere. Silver’s contributions to Type O Negative’s music have influenced countless bands in the gothic and metal genres.

Jon Oliva

One keyboardist who deserves recognition as number two on the list is Jon Oliva, whose contributions to metal music have been significant.

Jon Oliva is the founder and primary songwriter of the American progressive metal band Savatage. His keyboard playing has added depth and atmosphere to the band’s music, creating a unique sonic experience for listeners.

Olivia’s technical skills are impressive, as he’s mastered various keyboard instruments and is known for his complex melodies and solos. His creative playing style has pushed the boundaries of rock and metal genre, contributing to the Savatage’s sound.

Derek Sherinian

Derek Sherinian‘s technical skills and playing style have set him apart. His skills to master keyboard instruments like organs, synthesizers, and pianos showcases his impressive skills.

Sherinian’s work reflects his influence on rock and metal music, with notable contributions to bands such as Dream Theater and Sons of Apollo.

He’s pushed the boundaries of keyboard playing, exploring new sounds and effects to add depth and texture to songs. Sherinian’s playing style creates a unique sonic experience, making him an influential and respected figure in the metal keyboardist community.

Jesper Strömblad

Jesper Strömblad, known for his work with the Swedish melodic death metal band In Flames, has significantly impacted the genre with his innovative keyboard-playing approach.

His compositions are characterized by complex melodies, intricate harmonies, and atmospheric textures that add depth and emotion to In Flames’ music. Strömblad’s skills to mix keyboards with heavy guitar riffs and aggressive drumming showcases his versatility as a musician.

His contributions to In Flames’ discography, including albums like ‘The Jester Race’ and ‘Clayman,’ have solidified his reputation as one of the best metal keyboardists ever. Strömblad’s songwriting skills continue to inspire and influence metal musicians worldwide.

Alan Fitzgerald

Alan Fitzgerald‘s skills have made him an influential figure in the genre. Here are four reasons why he stands out among other metal keyboardists:

Fitzgerald has showcased his skills to adapt to different styles of metal, from symphonic to progressive and everything in between. This versatility allows him to bring a unique flavor to each band he’s worked with.

Fitzgerald has played a crucial role in the songwriting process of the bands he’s been a part of. His creative input has helped shape the sound and direction of their music. Fitzgerald’s stage presence is electrifying. He brings an infectious energy to his live performances, captivating audiences with his passionate and dynamic playing.

Joe Buras

Joe Buras‘s skills as a metal keyboardist has made him a standout figure. His skills to seamlessly integrate keyboard melodies and textures into heavy compositions has set him apart from his peers.

Buras’s playing style is characterized by intricate keyboard solos and atmospheric soundscapes that add depth and complexity to the music. His contributions to the band, Born of Osiris have helped define their sound and have earned him recognition as one of the best metal keyboardists of all time.

Who are your favorite heavy metal keyboardists?

• Jordan Rudess
• Mustis
• Janne Wirman
• Jens Johansson
• Michael Pinnella
• Les Smith
• Josh Silver
• Jon Oliva
• Derek Sherinian
• Jesper Strömblad
• Alan Fitzgerald
• Joe Buras

Let us know your thoughts on our top 12 heavy metal keyboardists in the comments below!