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Recent conversations have concluded that the female fronted bands of traditional heavy metal have gona comparitively unnoticed, with their male counterparts. Even the top notch acts like Chastain, really havent had the success matched by other bands of their respective period/subgenre - and i really think this is a shame. There's no denying Chastain's quality is high, and their output prodigious, but still - comparable bands seem to be better known and more popular. This got me thinking about all the badass female fronted old school heavy metal out there that i just love, and i figured i could honor that with a list of my favourite acts in this vein.This list is a salute to the best bands of female fronted metal from the classic period. I'm sure at the moment there are a couple of bands who's name escape me, and i will update as i either remember them, or they are brought to my attention. Feel free to remind me of bands to add, or even suggest some bands i check out. There are a couple of suggestions I've heard, but i simply havent checked out the bands yet.Thanks to Caerbannog, Supreme_Hydra, branka and those who have helped me remember bands and contribute to this list.

Velvet Viper



epic girl heavy metal!

epic girl heavy metal!

Morgana



Italian trad/power tinged metal here with the usual quirkiness of bands from The Boot.

Italian trad/power tinged metal here with the usual quirkiness of bands from The Boot.

Chastain



Regarded by some as the undisputed champions of female fronted metal, Chastain is the most celebrated of ever talented Leather Leone's work. Chastain offers up mystical, fantastical USPM with plenty of snarling aggression from the banshee-ish Leather. Several solid full lengths are on offer, and the quality is pretty consistent. Easily top shelf female fronted heavy metal. Here's an old review of one of their most celebrated works: Regarded by some as the undisputed champions of female fronted metal, Chastain is the most celebrated of ever talented Leather Leone's work. Chastain offers up mystical, fantastical USPM with plenty of snarling aggression from the banshee-ish Leather. Several solid full lengths are on offer, and the quality is pretty consistent. Easily top shelf female fronted heavy metal. Here's an old review of one of their most celebrated works: http://www.metal-archives...._Illusion/9997/

Regarded by some as the undisputed champions of female fronted metal, Chastain is the most celebrated of ever talented Leather Leone's work. Chastain offers up mystical, fantastical USPM with plenty of snarling aggression from the banshee-ish Leather. Several solid full lengths are on offer, and the quality is pretty consistent. Easily top shelf female fronted heavy metal. Here's an old review of one of their most celebrated works: http://www.metal-archives...._Illusion/9997/

Battlefield



The Teutons churn out another kickass metla band in Battlefield. Snarling aggressive speed/power metal hammering out tracks as hard steel - Battlefield's We Come to Fight is an uproarious slice of molten metal.

The Teutons churn out another kickass metla band in Battlefield. Snarling aggressive speed/power metal hammering out tracks as hard steel - Battlefield's We Come to Fight is an uproarious slice of molten metal.

ZnöWhite



shitty album covers aside, Znowhite are frequently mentioned in the same breath as Detente, Chastain, Battlfield and Sentinel Beast as amonst the best and ballsiest of female fronted metal bands.

shitty album covers aside, Znowhite are frequently mentioned in the same breath as Detente, Chastain, Battlfield and Sentinel Beast as amonst the best and ballsiest of female fronted metal bands.

Satanic Rites



Need Satanic Rites any elaboration. Critically lauded for their stunning debut. Satanic Rites have established a legendary status amongst those in the know when it comes to NWOBHM. A stellar collection of melodic, progressive, NWOBHM cuts with an awesome feel and commanding choruses, their debut is essential female fronted heavy metal without a doubt. Originasl review here: Need Satanic Rites any elaboration. Critically lauded for their stunning debut. Satanic Rites have established a legendary status amongst those in the know when it comes to NWOBHM. A stellar collection of melodic, progressive, NWOBHM cuts with an awesome feel and commanding choruses, their debut is essential female fronted heavy metal without a doubt. Originasl review here: http://www.metal-archives..../DeathRiderDoom

Need Satanic Rites any elaboration. Critically lauded for their stunning debut. Satanic Rites have established a legendary status amongst those in the know when it comes to NWOBHM. A stellar collection of melodic, progressive, NWOBHM cuts with an awesome feel and commanding choruses, their debut is essential female fronted heavy metal without a doubt. Originasl review here: http://www.metal-archives..../DeathRiderDoom

Metal Lady



Hungarian Heavy Metal band, fronted by Biró “Metal Lady” IIona (also a photo model and actress)

Hungarian Heavy Metal band, fronted by Biró “Metal Lady” IIona (also a photo model and actress)

Doro



reigning queen of heavy metal, talented and a loker to boot, DORO has managed to maintain popularity across Europe and America for decades.

reigning queen of heavy metal, talented and a loker to boot, DORO has managed to maintain popularity across Europe and America for decades.

Acid



One of Belgium's better known 80s metal acts. This Bruges act knows how to pound things traditionally with Kate De Lombaert knowing how to call up some attitude to match.

One of Belgium's better known 80s metal acts. This Bruges act knows how to pound things traditionally with Kate De Lombaert knowing how to call up some attitude to match.

Girlschool



The reigning all girl group, Girlschool matched some ballsy NWOBHM with commercial success - earning themselves a spot as one of the best known acts from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

The reigning all girl group, Girlschool matched some ballsy NWOBHM with commercial success - earning themselves a spot as one of the best known acts from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal.

Lady Sabre



the mystical, epic and utterly original Lady Sabre are responsible for one of my favourite records produced by anyone on this list. Utterly unknown or overlooked, Lady Sabre's full length easily sits amongst the cooler female fronted HM albums. Not as pounding as Chastain or Hellion, but LS should appeal to those of you who enjoy Satanic Rites. Here's an old review of mine: the mystical, epic and utterly original Lady Sabre are responsible for one of my favourite records produced by anyone on this list. Utterly unknown or overlooked, Lady Sabre's full length easily sits amongst the cooler female fronted HM albums. Not as pounding as Chastain or Hellion, but LS should appeal to those of you who enjoy Satanic Rites. Here's an old review of mine: http://www.metal-archives....chanted/210225/

the mystical, epic and utterly original Lady Sabre are responsible for one of my favourite records produced by anyone on this list. Utterly unknown or overlooked, Lady Sabre's full length easily sits amongst the cooler female fronted HM albums. Not as pounding as Chastain or Hellion, but LS should appeal to those of you who enjoy Satanic Rites. Here's an old review of mine: http://www.metal-archives....chanted/210225/

Vixen



Vixen were America's best known all girl glam group in the height of the glory days. Offering up hjigh production, glossy commercial rock cuts, Vixen knows how to keep things catchy. Less crunch on offer than Battlefield, Original Sin, or Chastain, but for those of you who are big on straight up glam, Vixen should please.

Vixen were America's best known all girl glam group in the height of the glory days. Offering up hjigh production, glossy commercial rock cuts, Vixen knows how to keep things catchy. Less crunch on offer than Battlefield, Original Sin, or Chastain, but for those of you who are big on straight up glam, Vixen should please.

Plasmatics



Infamous punk/metal group Plasmatics, helmed by perhaps the craziest, most memorable frontwoman of the lot - Wendy O, rate a mention for their highly original and abrasive 80s material.

Infamous punk/metal group Plasmatics, helmed by perhaps the craziest, most memorable frontwoman of the lot - Wendy O, rate a mention for their highly original and abrasive 80s material.

Runestaff



The overlooked, or simply underrated Runestaff are one of the female fronted NWOBHM acts along with the likes of Girlschool, Rock Goddess and Satanic Rites. While their style is certainly quite soft and poppy, they fuse some progressive rock elements, chorus catchiness and synth into a fun blend of 80s pop rock that has some charm to it. I did have a review for link, but it was deleted unfortunately. A great band for those of you who like both AOR and synth pop/AOR

The overlooked, or simply underrated Runestaff are one of the female fronted NWOBHM acts along with the likes of Girlschool, Rock Goddess and Satanic Rites. While their style is certainly quite soft and poppy, they fuse some progressive rock elements, chorus catchiness and synth into a fun blend of 80s pop rock that has some charm to it. I did have a review for link, but it was deleted unfortunately. A great band for those of you who like both AOR and synth pop/AOR

Hellion



One of the most frequently cited bands of this little subgenre is the bitchin Hellion, a door-kicking US power metal band these days quite well recognized for 'Screams in the Night' especially, but they have a large and impressive catalogue not unlike their contemporaries Chastain. Ann Boleyn is one helluva frontwoman with some aggressive moments.

One of the most frequently cited bands of this little subgenre is the bitchin Hellion, a door-kicking US power metal band these days quite well recognized for 'Screams in the Night' especially, but they have a large and impressive catalogue not unlike their contemporaries Chastain. Ann Boleyn is one helluva frontwoman with some aggressive moments.

Taist of Iron



The dark and menacing Taist of Iron kicked a bit of ass in the ol' northwestern USPM scene of the '80s. With some darl and metallic lyrics, a cool vibe, and songs that grow and grow on you like a flash eating virus, Taist of Iron are more than just one of those cool mis-spelled metal band names. Check em out.

The dark and menacing Taist of Iron kicked a bit of ass in the ol' northwestern USPM scene of the '80s. With some darl and metallic lyrics, a cool vibe, and songs that grow and grow on you like a flash eating virus, Taist of Iron are more than just one of those cool mis-spelled metal band names. Check em out.

Orphan Allies



The little known Orphan Allies from the US deserve a mention for their pounding, glam tinged brand of heavy metal. Frontlady 'Little Orphan E.V' posesses an attitude laden snarl which brings to mind slight tinges of Leather Leone. Worth checking out.

The little known Orphan Allies from the US deserve a mention for their pounding, glam tinged brand of heavy metal. Frontlady 'Little Orphan E.V' posesses an attitude laden snarl which brings to mind slight tinges of Leather Leone. Worth checking out.

Sentinel Beast



Perhaps the rawest and most visceral act on the list, Sentinel Beast are well regarded amongst USPM and thrash fans for their powerful and aggressive metal attack. Helmed by Debbie Gunn, of Znowhite and Ice Age, Sentinel Beast are definitely one of the snarlier acts on the list, Gunn having more balls then a lot of her male counterparts.

Perhaps the rawest and most visceral act on the list, Sentinel Beast are well regarded amongst USPM and thrash fans for their powerful and aggressive metal attack. Helmed by Debbie Gunn, of Znowhite and Ice Age, Sentinel Beast are definitely one of the snarlier acts on the list, Gunn having more balls then a lot of her male counterparts.

Kim Sixx



Denmark offers up more than just Artillery, Mercyful Fate, Tryckvag, Fate , The King and pasty young men with questionable sexualities and facial hair. Danish act KIM SIXX burst onto the scene with a blend of no-nonsense pounding straight forward trad metal that can get the fists pumping.

Denmark offers up more than just Artillery, Mercyful Fate, Tryckvag, Fate , The King and pasty young men with questionable sexualities and facial hair. Danish act KIM SIXX burst onto the scene with a blend of no-nonsense pounding straight forward trad metal that can get the fists pumping.

Childhood's End



CE fuses melodic heavy metal, catchiness and choruses with USPMish leanings. Only one official release is known to have been released - this little EP topped by the awesome 'You better Run', with an empassioned performance by Jennifer Hall. Here's a review from way back: CE fuses melodic heavy metal, catchiness and choruses with USPMish leanings. Only one official release is known to have been released - this little EP topped by the awesome 'You better Run', with an empassioned performance by Jennifer Hall. Here's a review from way back: http://www.metal-archives....%27s_End/60830/

CE fuses melodic heavy metal, catchiness and choruses with USPMish leanings. Only one official release is known to have been released - this little EP topped by the awesome 'You better Run', with an empassioned performance by Jennifer Hall. Here's a review from way back: http://www.metal-archives....%27s_End/60830/

Original Sin



Kickass all girl US metal band - fiery and aggressive - Original Sin became pretty well known, and are today pretty well regarded by enthusiasts of the genre. Saucy album covers are also win.

Kickass all girl US metal band - fiery and aggressive - Original Sin became pretty well known, and are today pretty well regarded by enthusiasts of the genre. Saucy album covers are also win.

Lee Aaron



'Metal Queen' Lee Aaron packs a punch to go along with the catchy commercial anthems. Canada seems to know how to party when it comes to AOR and hard rock.

'Metal Queen' Lee Aaron packs a punch to go along with the catchy commercial anthems. Canada seems to know how to party when it comes to AOR and hard rock.

Monsters



German pounding metal enthusiasts Monsters kikc out some jams in the anthemic trad style not unlike Kim Sixx

German pounding metal enthusiasts Monsters kikc out some jams in the anthemic trad style not unlike Kim Sixx

Steelover



Belgium's Steelover kicked out some traditional heavy metal/hard rock pounders with a strong frontlady and an anthemic vibe.

Belgium's Steelover kicked out some traditional heavy metal/hard rock pounders with a strong frontlady and an anthemic vibe.

Princess Pang



Swedish glam act Princess Pang aren't too well known, but lay out some glammy fun hard rock in the vein of Vixen, for those of you inclined.

Swedish glam act Princess Pang aren't too well known, but lay out some glammy fun hard rock in the vein of Vixen, for those of you inclined.

Détente



Much vaunted hellish thrash metal titans of the underground.

Much vaunted hellish thrash metal titans of the underground.

Zed Yago



well regarded female fronted cult metallers

well regarded female fronted cult metallers

Holy Moses



German thrash legends with one of the ballsiest vocals this side of Debbie Guns

German thrash legends with one of the ballsiest vocals this side of Debbie Guns

Sally Cato!!!!

Messiah Force



Girl fronted speed merchants

Girl fronted speed merchants

Blacklace



Part of the notorious NY scene of the 80s. Maryann Scandiffio on Vocals

Part of the notorious NY scene of the 80s. Maryann Scandiffio on Vocals

Malisha



Related to VIXEN with Kim La Chance on vocals, LA heavy metal band with some epic tinges.

Related to VIXEN with Kim La Chance on vocals, LA heavy metal band with some epic tinges.

Wardance



speed/powerists out of Landau, Rhineland-Palatinate. GERMAN METAL

speed/powerists out of Landau, Rhineland-Palatinate. GERMAN METAL

Warbride



obscure all girl trad metal from the US

obscure all girl trad metal from the US

swedish trad metallers.

Malteze



melodic metal with one album from '90