2025 is halfway through! It has been an incredible year for women in music. We’ve had releases from Epica, Halestorm, Evanescence, Spiritbox, Messa, Beyond the Black, Within Temptation, and so many more! There are still so many releases to come, so it’s hard to generate a best of list early on. BUT, I want to know your favorite woman or top three women in Rock and Metal of 2025! VOTE or Comment below!
Please go support these fantastic women in Rock and Metal!
Graveyard Angel, a Finnish female-fronted dark-rock duo, released their second single “Poisonous Smile” – music video also available to watch Promo photo by Masi Ahlqvist and Micke Löfgren Finnish dark rock duo Graveyard Angel released a new single Poisonous Smile via Inverse Records. The single comes out accompanied with a black and white video, which, together with the song lyrics tell the story of a destructive relationship, one, that wounds you deeper every day you stay. WATCH music video: https://youtu.be/1ZNjVXKviIo Mika “Alde” Ahlqvist – or rather his alter ego “Ground” has composed the music and played all the instruments. Writing the lyrics and singing all vocals and backing vocals has been Ana‘s responsibility. Ana is already known to some from her other band “LAB“. “We are not gloomy personalities, but for some reason we share a taste for a bit darker and harder music. Rough and punchy riffs combined with disturbing stories is what makes us tick. This pretty much defines the music style of Graveyard Angel: dark, tough and delightfully disturbed.” “Making the video for “Poisonous Smile” was a very different process from the making of our earlier debut video. This time, instead of using AI, the video has been filmed, and set decoration done in a completely traditional way. We not only created ideas of how the video could be, but also got our own hands literally dirty with the set decoration, “ Ana smiles. The group of people making the video was, though professional, very small. “Alde and I got to participate in some assisting roles as well, which was very interesting and so much fun! ” Ana says. The video for “Poisonous Smile” was directed and filmed by Jani “Viski” Viskari. The lighting was done by Anu Lehtonen, the leading male role played by Roni Tohmo and editing was done by Zizi Fandango. Graveyard Angel is signed by Inverse Records. LISTEN to Poisonous Smile on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/graveyard-angel-smile LISTEN the first single ‘Apathy’ on streaming services: https://push.fm/fl/graveyard-angel-apathy Graveyard Angel – Poisonous Smile (Single 2025) -Songwriter – Mika ´Álde´Ahlqvist- Lyrics – Ana Anna Leppälä- Music recorder by – Mika ´Álde´Ahlqvist at Brutalrecords- Vocals recorded-mixed and master by Pekka ´Splendid´Laine at East Sound Studios Line-up: Ana Anna Leppälä – Vocals Mika “Alde” Ahlqvist: guitars, bass, synths, programming Links: https://www.facebook.com/GraveyardAngelOfficial https://www.instagram.com/graveyard_angel_official https://www.tiktok.com/@graveyard_angel_official https://graveyardangel.bandcamp.com |
I want to start a new tradition on here and socials! I want to share some of my favorite femme metal and rock songs every Friday! I listen to music six to ten hours every day, and a lot of my listening habits are made up of women in bands, which is my ultimate bias. Whether it’s new or not or just new to me, I have my favorite tracks of the week. This week, the theme is “COVERS”. Below is some of my all-time favorite covers featuring a female lead singer! Many of these covers I prefer to the original, because there’s something about the different heavier take on these songs that make it exciting. Some people don’t enjoy covers, but I think it’s a fun way to tribute influences or get a band’s name out there by doing an original take on an old favorite. Despite beliefs, covers are incredibly difficult to do well, and the covers below are some of the best I have ever heard.
Please share your favorite covers in the comments below or go to X and let me know!
On Metal Valkyrie, I have been determined for a decade to share the absolute best of Women in Rock and Metal. Now there’s more women than ever in heavy music, and many bands are dominating the scene. Bands like Lacuna Coil, Halestorm, Evanescence, Spiritbox, Jinjer, Linkin Park, and The Warning are at the top of their game. If you haven’t heard this bands, you probably live under a rock and resemble a mushroom at this point, but there are so many bands that aren’t receiving the same press or play volume as those pinnacle bands. So in honor of Women’s History Month (which was actually last month) I decided to make an ultimate guide of 50 great bands with women in them that are pretty new or just relatively unheard. It took hours and hours to come up with a good diverse list, because there’s so much out there, but sadly there is very little promo for most of these bands. Please Record Companies, start picking up and promoting these bands! They all have the “IT” factor in multitudes of ways and deserve more marketing value. The future is female!
50. Vulvarine: An All Girl Hard Rock Throwback from Vienna.
49. Cobra Spell; All Girl Spain Based Heavy Metal band, Dio would be proud!
48. Dawn of Ouroboros; A Jazz Black Metal Atmospheric blend from Oakland California
47. MESSA; Italian Doom Metal/Rock Brings Some Jazzy Atmospheric to Desolate riffs and Vocals
46. PLUSH: All Girl rock band all under the age of 28 brings 90s Hard Rock and Soulful Chris Cornell Vox. The most underrated Rock band on the planet.
45. Heathen Heretic; Swiss Black Death Atmospheric Metal with Soaring Melodies and Folky Goodness.
44. SCARDUST: Israeli Insane Progressive Power Band With one of the most dynamic Vocalists
43. Frantic Amber: All girl Melodic Death Metal from Stockholm with Serial Killer themes
42. Glimmer Void: Italian Alternative Rock band with Prog Influences
41. LINX: An Industrial Rock band from Canada Bringing Fresh sounds to a 90s Genre
40. Pave: An Alt Rock Pop Band Bringing some Pvris sounds with punchy drums
39. Beyond the Black: German Symphonic Metal band fuses Modern Rock with Arena rock and great riffs
38. Rolling Quartz: Korean Rock band with funky riffs and technical guitar solos
37. Infinitas: Swiss Fantasy Symphonic Metal band with soaring melodies
36. Frozen Crown: Italian Power Metal with insane technicality akin to Unleash the Archers and Sonata Arctica
35. Eleine: Swedish Dark Symphonic Metal with Black Metal bleakness and Arch Enemy riffs
34. DOGMA: An American based All Girl version of Ghost with profane and occult themes
33. Ankor: A Spanish/Greek Alternative Metal Powerhouse with a dynamic female lead and one of the best female drummers of all time
32. Miss Krystal; Insanely good Industrial Rock and Pop composer from Phoenix, Arizona
31. Phantom Elite; Modern Metal Powerhouse from Netherlands/Germany with chuggy guitars and soaring high vocals
30. Novelists; Camille Contreras breathes new life into famous Prog Metalcore from France. One of the best bands on this list, in my opinion
29. Oceans of Slumber; Texas Southern Doom Metal with Blues and Soul from below. One of my absolute favorite bands of all time
28. The Beaches: Canadian Alt-Rock with a throwback 1970s to 1980s sound
27. The Last Dinner Party: Fantastic Alt-Rock band with Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, and Blondie sounds and a great vocalist.
26. Elysion; A Greek Gothic Metal band akin to Lacuna Coil, Moonspell, and Tiamat. They released one of my favorite albums of the decade a couple years ago
25. Ad Infinitum: Swiss Modern Metal band with Symphonic aspects and constantly evolving their sound
24. About Monsters: German Alt-Rock Post-Hardcore band with modern metal breakdowns and lower pitched vox
23. MEER: 8 Piece Pop Progressive Orchestra With Dynamic Dual Female and Male Vocals. The talent in this band is staggering
22. Pure Reason Revolution: Prog Rock group from Great Britain with Chloe Alper on backing vocals, keyboard, and bass
21. Calva Louise: A British Metal/Electronic/Alternative Rock Group that keeps you guessing
20. Walk In Darkness: Italian Symphonic Metal with premium technical vocals and Beauty and the Beast dueling vocalists
19. Too Hot For Leather: Nashville based Southern Rock band with gorgeous well-controlled vocals.
18. Eva Under Fire: Chicago Based Hard Rock band with some of the best vocals I’ve ever heard
17. Fortune Teller; A UK Based Power Metal band with no bs
16. Seven Kingdoms: Florida based Power Metal band with great 80s Arena Rock sound. One of my favorite bands of all time. Hits you right in the feels
15. Lutharo: Canadian Heavy Metal band with Arch Enemy influences. One of the best bands I have ever seen live
14. LYRRE: Polish 4 piece band with a lead singer who’s an expert on the Hurdy Gurdy
13. Seven Spires: American Symphonic Metal band with Dimmu Borgir influences and Berkelee College of Music Graduates
12. As December Falls: UK Alt-Rock Prog Metal band brings some interesting touches from J-Metal
11. Holy Wars; American Alt-Rock Indie band brings teeth to Pop hooks
10. Conquer Divide; American All-girl Rock Band turns it up to Metalcore on staggeringly good new record. They’re like a much heavier Modern Metal version of Tonight Alive
9. Meerkat: Dutch Rock band with Proggy drums and immense groove
8. Solarcycles; Dutch Symphonic Folk Metal band with modern and smooth delivered vocals, reminds of old Within Temptation
7. Never Obey Again: Absolutely incredible Italian Modern Metal band. So glad I discovered these guys! The influence of Lacuna Coil is rarely talked about, but it’s evident in most of the Metal bands on this list.
6. Black Spikes- A Lithuanian female fronted Modern Metal band fusing Alt-Metal, Death, and Black Metal for a unique sound
5. Illumisade; A Swiss Symphonic Metal band with metalcore riffs and classically composed songs with Eluveitie’s Dynamic female vocalist Fabienne Erni. I have no idea why this band isn’t enormously famous. There’s nothing else like them on the planet
4. The Birthday Massacre; Canadian Dark Wave Gothic Rock band with entrancing synths and vocals
3. BRUTUS; French band fronted by a female drummer. A power post-hardcore trio of the ages. One of my absolute favorite bands on this list.
2.Infected Rain; Modern Heavy Metal band with dynamic vocalist Lena Scissorhands and impossibly fast chuggy bassist Alice Lane. Fantastic band formed in Moldova in 2008. Love this band.
Number 1, Last One for now: Alt- Metal Electronic band with Elder Scrolls lore
That’s 50 insanely awesome Rock and Metal bands featuring Women! Who should I add to the list and who are your favorites? Comment below and let me know if I made an oversight on a great band.
Introducing my brand new @discord server! Join Metal Valkyries on Discord to Discuss and share your favorite Metal bands, your favorite front women in Metal, and share your own blog posts and sites here.
| Official news from Napalm Records! |
 [Photo credit: Mark Morgan]  |
| Get ready for a firestorm of hard rock fury! Fierce Austrian hard rockers VULVARINE are set to shake things up with their new single and album opener, “The Drugs, the Love and the Pain”, taken from their upcoming studio album, Fast Lane, out on March 28, 2025 via Napalm Records! “The Drugs, the Love and the Pain” kicks off VULVARINE’s album with an electrifying fusion of punk attitude, hard rock grit, and heavy metal intensity. Bursting with raw energy and rebellious spirit, the track delivers soaring melodies and hard-hitting riffs that embody the highs and lows of euphoria, chaos, and resilience. With its anthemic hooks and relentless drive, this powerhouse sets the tone for an adrenaline-fueled ride through the band’s bold and unapologetic sound. The track debuts just in time for VULVARINE to bring their signature rock’n’roll to cities across Europe on the second leg of Thundermother’s Dirty & Divine tour, also featuring Napalm Records label mates Cobra Spell. VULVARINE on their new single “The Drugs, the Love and the Pain”: “The song takes you on a ‘rock ‘n’ roller coaster ride’ between euphoria and chaos, exploring where these emotions come from – be it substance abuse, heartbreak, or inner struggles. It resolves with a message of hope, reminding us that all feelings are temporary and will eventually lead to a brighter, clearer state of mind.” |
| Check out “The Drugs, the Love and the Pain” HERE: |
| Influenced by bands such as Girlschool, The Runaways and The Donnas, VULVARINE defines their own sound as “vulvarock”: a unique fusion of high energy rock’n’roll, heavy metal and glam, topped up with punk and blues elements. Following their debut album, Unleashed (2020), and the 2023’s Witches Brew EP, on Fast Lane, VULVARINE head full speed into a new adventure filled with adrenaline and authenticity. VULVARINE on the new album: “Fast Lane captures the whirlwind of creativity and energy that has driven us as a band. The album came together in an intense but exciting process, where we pushed our limits, worked with incredible people, and poured everything we had into the music. Signing with Napalm Records is a huge milestone, and we’re ready to hit the fast lane and dive headfirst into this new adventure.” |
| While remaining uncompromising and real, VULVARINE impresses with a variety of soundscapes on Fast Lane. The explosive opening track “The Drugs, the Love and the Pain” sets the scene for the rest of the album: rebellious, action-packed, raw, punky – and irresistibly catchy. “Ancient Soul” shows the softer side of VULVARINE while “Demons” dives into darker waters. VULVARINE’s strong rhythm section shines especially bright on “Alright Tonight”, and “Equal, Not the Same” is particularly refreshing and empowering. “Fool”, co-written with German producer Felix Heldt (Dominum, Feuerschwanz, Visions Of Atlantis), surprises with a different tone while remaining true to the sound and spirit of the band. “Polly the Trucker” is an ode to the highway, a classic rock’n’roll anthem with a modern touch, featuring raspy vocals and incredible guitars. VULVARINE brings in yet another highlight with an electrifying cover of Modern Talking’s “Cheri Cheri Lady”, featuring a powerful guitar solo from Thundermother’s Filippa Nässil, before wrapping the album up with pensive track “She’ll Come Around”. On Fast Lane, VULVARINE soars to the next level with both songwriting and high-quality production without losing their edge. The album was produced in Vienna and Wiener Neustadt as a collaboration of three different producers: Thomas Zwanzger of Stressstudio, Dietmar Baumgartner of Sonar Music Productions and Engel Mayr (formerly of Russkaja) of Studio Mäusepalast, resulting in a cohesive work and VULVARINE’s strongest album yet. Fast Lane is a multifaceted and honest high-octane rock’n’roll extravaganza with no filler: the 11-track offering is packed with the very best of one of the most promising bands in the scene. Fast Lane tracklisting: 1. The Drugs, the Love and the Pain 2. Ancient Soul 3. Heads Held High 4. Demons 5. Alright Tonight 6. Equal, Not the Same 7. Fool 8. Polly the Trucker 9. Dark Red 10. Cheri Cheri Lady (feat. Filippa Nässil) 11. She’ll Come Around Fast Lane will be available in the following formats: 1-LP Translucent Orange – ltd. to 400 copies worldwide 1-CD Digisleeve Digital Album Pre-Order your copy of Fast Lane NOW: [1-LP Translucent Orange – ltd. to 400 copies worldwide] |
| VULVARINE live 2025: Dirty & Divine Tour EU/UK – Supporting Thundermother w/ Cobra Spell 21.03.25 DE – Leipzig / Hellraiser 22.03.25 DE – Berlin / Festsaal Kreuzberg 23.03.25 PL – Warsaw / Niebo 25.03.25 CZ – Prague / Strom Club 26.03.25 HU – Budapest / Barba Negra Blue Stage 28.03.25 AT – Vienna / Szene Wien 29.03.25 DE – Munich / Backstage 30.03.25 CH – Pratteln / Z7 Konzertfabrik 01.04.25 DE – Aschaffenburg / Colos-Saal 02.04.25 DE – Bochum / Zeche 04.04.25 DE – Obertraubling / Airport-Eventhall 05.04.25 DE – Hanover / Capitol 06.04.25 NL – Utrecht / Tivoli Vredenburg – Pandora Festivals 2025: 21.06.24 AT – Ried im Innkreis / KiK Open Air Festival 23.07.24 SI – Tolmin / Tolminator Festival VULVARINE are: Bea Heartbeat – Drums Robin Redbreast – Bass Sandy Dee – Guitar Suzy Q – Vocals VULVARINE online: WEBSITE NAPALM RECORDS |
This blog is dedicated to all women in Rock and Metal, the trailblazers, and the young guns. This is my number one passion in life to discover and share the amazing women in Heavy Music that endlessly inspire me and millions of people around the world. It’s hard to narrow it down to only 10, because diversity has skyrocketed in the past decade, but I decided to highlight my favorites!
Who are you favorite women in Rock and Metal! Let me know in the comments below!
Lzzy Hale
Lead singer of the long grinding band, Halestorm, she defies all glass ceilings in Rock and Metal with her immensely powerful voice and her impossibly difficult screams. She has become a household name for many, earning a Grammy, fronting legendary Hair Metal band Skid Row, and collaborating with notables Corey Taylor, I Prevail, Lindsey Stirling, The Hu, Avatar, and many many more. She is one of the most prolific women in Rock and Metal, and will no doubt earn a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Courtney LaPlante
The legendary LaPlante got her start with cult classic Iwrestledabearonce for a short stint where she shocked people with her immensely raw screams. She now fronts the worldwide phenomenon, Spiritbox, who are known for their bipolar mix of beautiful melodies and brutal breakdowns. She is one of the most versatile vocalists I have ever seen and always surprises with her seemingly impossible low gutturals. She defies any genre boundaries and everything I knew about female vocals. Her reputation and recognition is hard earned and no doubt Spiritbox will gain continued success throughout their careers.
The Warning
This Mexican Rock trio comprised of three dynamic sisters have been working to make a name for themselves for ten years. They’ve created some of the best Rock in the last four decades with their uncompromising rawness and unapologetic Hard Rock riffs with massive hooks. They are one of my favorite bands of all-time. They’re rebelling against the mainstream, formulaic, AI, autotuned laden Radio Rock and reprising ideals of the 1970s with instrument proficiency and explosive chemistry. These are some of most talented musicians I’ve ever heard. They never miss. If you haven’t heard them yet, get ready to get hooked.
Jessie Williams
Gaining the spot as my favorite band as of right now, Ankor has created some of the most unique blends of music since 2003. Joining the band in 2014, she immediately impacted the dynamics and range of Ankor, who were originally a Power Metal band in the limited market or Catalonia, Spain. They switched their style to an edgy Alternative Metal with EDM, Japanese, and Evanescence styles. They are one of the most innovative bands I have heard in a long time. Jessie’s range is absolutely explosive with fry screams, gutturals, rapping, operatic, and high soaring vocals. Shoganai, the first part of their Mini album, is a stunning and surprising mix of extremes. I was instantly impressed by Jessie and now she is one of my favorite vocalists in just a short week of being introduced to Ankor.
Fabienne Erni
One of the most diverse and incomparable vocalists, Fabienne is among my favorite vocalists. She has a unique Alpine style that is perfect for Folk Metal band Eluveitie. She’s made a name in her Alternative and Symphonic Metal band Illumishade, which has created some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. Her range is crazy with almost Broadway-power, being one of the loudest vocalists on this list I’ve ever heard.
Sabrina Cruz
Power Metal vocalist Sabrina Cruz brings attitude, flashiness, and crazy high vocals that mirrors the charm of the 1980s while giving modern soulful twists and twang. Seven Kingdoms is among my favorite bands of all time. They deliver a blue collar American Power Metal with nostalgic sounds and raw talent. Their music is full of heartfelt messages and they’ve created such a supportive fanbase whom fund all their ventures without a big label or producer. I absolutely love this band and cannot recommend them enough. I have no idea why they’re not more well-known, because they deserve a lot more recognition.
Krista Shipperbottom
Fronting one of the best opening bands I’ve ever seen, Krista Shipperbottom delivers Death Growls and high-pitched screams that captivate you on the first note. She is an unbelievably good live vocalist with immense volume, power, and dynamics that match the thrilling speeds of Lutharo’s speed-metal prowess. Seeing this band open for Seven Kingdoms was one of my highlights of 2024 and their album Chasing Euphoria ended up on my favorite releases. Krista’s voice impressed me immensely, mirroring Alissa White Gluz of Arch Enemy in brutality. You’re not going to believe the amount of sound that comes out of her. It is truly mesmerizing.
Brittney Slayes
A name I mention often on this site, Brittney fronts the warriors of the frozen north Unleash the Archers She is one of the greatest singers I have ever heard in my life. She reminds me of the great Heavy Metal vocalists of the 1980s, while adding her signature Power Metal screams at dog whistle pitch and incredible diction. Brittney’s talent is one of a kind, and puts her among the likes of Bruce Dickinson, Ronnie James Dio, and Joacim Cans for me. I love her voice and her story writing emphatically and will be a fan for life. I have no idea why she is not a household name among Floor Jansen, Lzzy Hale, and Ann Wilson, but maybe me endlessly sending praise will expose more people to this amazing vocalist and truly kind human being.
Tatiana Shmayluk
I think Tatiana’s reputation proceeds her and doesn’t need mentioning, but I simply can’t leave her off a list of my favorite vocalists. Her brutality and deep gutturals never cease to amaze me. I had never heard female gutturals so low in my entire life. She defies everything I knew about screaming/growling and mixes it with a Jazzy style and pitch perfect intonation. She is on her own level, especially with their latest release Duel which is truly a fantastic album. Nobody sounds like Tatiana, and no one ever will.
Camille Contreras
A new comer in the Metal scene, Camille has lent her soulful vocals to Prog Metalcore band Novelists and begun a new era for the band increasing their visibility and dynamics immensely. She is one of my favorite vocalists right now. She blends Pop, Jazz, and fry screams to create a gut-wrenching sound that is unlike anything I’ve heard in the genre of Metalcore. Her tonal quality puts her above 99% of Metal vocalists right now for me. She has one of the most beautiful tones I have ever heard, adding warmth and depth to a cold and mechanical genre inundated with male vocalists I couldn’t pick out from a lineup. She’s going to take Novelists to the top of the genre touring with heavy hitters such as Tesseract. I cannot wait for the first full album with her at the helm. Coda out May 9th, 2025
Who are your favorite Women in music?
Out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records | Pre-Order HERE
First Single “Green & Glass” + Stunning Music Video Revealed
Watch HERE
2024 International Tour Dates Announced
[photo credit: Shimon Karmel] Canada’s most exciting metal band, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS, are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their transfixing sixth studio release, the AI inspired concept album Phantoma, out May 10, 2024 via Napalm Records. The new album follows the band’s breakout 2020 album, Abyss, which won the JUNO Award for Metal/Hard Music Album of the Year after debuting at #1 on the US Current Hard Music and Top New Artist charts.
Frontwoman and lyricist Brittney Slayes conjured Phantoma’s concept in 2021; before the swarm of pressing commentary surrounding AI began to reach an all-time high. Led by the album’s protagonist Phantoma, a Phase 4 / Network Tier 0 unit – model A, the story recounts the trials of AI gaining sentience on a dystopian, near-future planet earth. With the band’s one-of-a-kind blend of power metal, traditional heavy metal, modern prog and pop sensibilities, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS spin a web of sharp musicality, high sci-fi concept and important social commentary about discovering the brutal truths behind the manufactured sheen of social media posturing.
Today’s album announcement kicks off with the release of its first single, “Green & Glass” – an unforgettable opus traversing the album’s dystopian concept with dynamic verses and prog-laden guitar work. Its innovative accompanying music video features Phantoma discovering new and harrowing realities, and was created using AI while still supporting traditional artists by having character models trained exclusively on a body of work licensed from artist Bo Bradshaw.
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS says about “Green & Glass”:
“We struggled for a while to decide which song would lead the way for this record, and in the end chose ‘Green & Glass’ because it is the song that inspired the cover artwork, but also because it doesn’t give too much away about the concept behind the album. We wanted nothing more than to be able to create a fully cinematic retelling of the story through our music videos, and were so stoked when the boys at RuneGate Studio expressed an interest in learning how to use Stable Diffusion to make our dreams come true! They trained the model on the work of Bo Bradshaw, which gives it a beautifully unique animation style; we got to bring his magnificent t-shirt artwork to life!
“Watch the remarkable official video for “Green & Glass” HERE:
Following 2020’s triumph Abyss, which was dubbed by Bandcamp as “a mandatory listen”, and named by Loudwire as one of the best rock and metal albums of the year, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS ascend with Phantoma. Defying controversy and bringing their imagination to life, UNLEASH THE ARCHERS utilized AI during the writing, filming, and production process on Phantoma, and weaved electronic and synthwave elements throughout the album’s 10 colossal anthems, which – in line with its theme – prove much darker and heavier in comparison to the bright positivity of Abyss.
Album opener “Human Era” sets the tone with imagery of a bleak, windswept futuristic world that crescendos headlong into the breakneck pace of power metal bastion “Ph4/NT0mA” – a masterwork of dueling guitar solos and vocal acrobatics. Trad-metal influenced “Buried In Code” lights the way with pummeling rhythms before the album’s path turns dark on heavy metal hardened “The Collective”, with Brittney Slayes’ warm tones inviting the listener to ‘join or stand aside’! Hair-raising first single “Green & Glass” unveils the truth before the upbeat 80s flavored “Gods In Decay” and the extraordinary balladic anthem “Give It Up Or Give It All” showcase the varied song writing prowess of UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ modern era. A trifecta of concept closers begins with the moody “Ghosts In The Mist”, leading into the soaring yet menacing “Seeking Vengeance” before closing with the bittersweet tale of “Blood Empress”.
Mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen, and with lead guitarist Andrew Kingsley at the helm as both principal songwriter and producer, Phantoma is an exciting advancement in UNLEASH THE ARCHERS’ songwriting and storytelling mastery, and a giant leap forward in their towering musical trajectory.
Pre-Order Phantoma HERE:
Phantoma track listing:
1. Human Era
2. Ph4/NT0mA
3. Buried In Code
4. The Collective
5. Green & Glass
6. Gods In Decay
7. Give It Up Or Give It All
8. Ghosts In The Mist
9. Seeking Vengeance
10. Blood Empress
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS on tour:
Legions of Metal Festival:
5/03 – Chicago, IL @ Reggies
Australia and New Zealand Headliners:
6/05 – Canberra, AU @ Basement
6/06 – Sydney, AU @ Manning
6/07 – Melbourne, AU @ Croxton
6/08 – Brisbane, AU @ The Zoo
6/09 – Adelaide, AU @ Lion Arts
6/13 – Auckland, NZ @ Galatos
6/14 – Wellington, NZ @ Valhalla
European Festivals:
7/05 – Ballenstedt, DE @ Rock Harz
7/06 – Knislinge, SE @ Time To Rock
7/12 – Visovice, CZ @ Masters Of Rock
7/19 – Laukaa, FI @ John Smith Fest
7/21 – Baile Figa, RO @ Celtic Transylvania
8/02 – Wacken, DE @ Wacken Open Air
8/09 – Villena, ES @ Leyendas Del Rock
8/10 – Walton-On-Trent, UK @ Bloodstock
Supporting POWERWOLF in North America:
8/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Hollywood Palladium
8/31 – Denver, CO @ The Ogden Theatre
9/03 – Chicago, IL @ The Riviera Theatre
9/04 – Cleveland, OH @ The Agora Theatre
9/05 – Silver Spring, MD @ The Fillmore
9/07 – Tampa, FL @ Jannus Landing
9/08 – Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
9/09 – Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore
9/12 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Fillmore
9/13 – Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
9/14 – New York City, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount
9/15 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS is:
Brittney Slayes – Vocals
Scott Buchanan – Drums
Grant Truesdell – Guitar, Vocals
Andrew Kingsley – Guitar, Vocals
Nick Miller – Bass
UNLEASH THE ARCHERS online:
WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
X
INSTAGRAM
NAPALM RECORDS
Release date 10/20/2023
A band I have been listening to for a decade is back in 2023 with half a new lineup and new sound that has utterly stunned me. With the departure of two key components of the band in early 2023, I thought Temperance were doomed. This Italian Symphonic Power Metal outfit that has been a dark horse for too long has pulled through the trials and reinvented themselves with the most powerful lineup I’ve heard in a long time. I am a huge Power Metal fan, and no stranger to the majority of the new characters in the band, and I can say this record will bring them to the top of the game. Original founder and bassist Luca Negro has leveled up with clinical powerful drummer Marco Sacchetto and the smooth vocals of Michele Guaitoli since 2018 (Visions of Atlantis) and guitarist and epic vocalist Marco Pastorino (Serenity). Though, the newest member was a complete surprise to me. Kristin Starkey, an American Professional Opera and Metal dual vocalist has redefined the female vocal role of the band. Her vocals have brought a smokey darkness and smooth contralto vocals with staggering Power Metal screams. Based upon the singles, I knew this might be my album of the year. Temperance has delivered amazing music over the years, but Daruma’s Eyes PT 2 is just exalted beyond all expectations. I am a sucker for concept albums, and this storytelling delight delivers. It is also narrated and features chuggy punching rhythm guitars by the Dutch Wizard of Prog, Arjen Lucassen of Ayreon and Star One.
Daruma’s Eyes PT 2 is a massive wall of sound with melodies swirling through and emotively telling the story. I’m honestly in disbelief of how much they have tastefully crammed into one record. Each vocalist plays a different part, but comes together perfectly and expertly. Daruma opener is an assault of range and operatic vocals the band is known for delivering, but this is just explosive on a whole other level. On slow song, In “Search of Gold”, the range of these vocalists really shines and delivers emotionally profound music. “Welcome to Hermitage” contains many vocalists with Celtic and glaringly high vocalist Fabienne Erni (Eluveitie, Illumishade) and Laura Fella of Faun who brings elvish smooth vocals and a classic folk sound. Fabienne fits the explosive talent so well and brings another octave of vocals that balances everything out so well. The ladies of Switzerland also feature on Join Me, which is just a beautiful melodic track with heavy instrumentation. Epic track after track continues with No Return, Into the Void, and Darkness is Just a Drawing. No Return brings a sea-shanty sing along beat that is excellently catchy and just solid group vocals on the choruses. “Where We Belong” is a piano, vocal, string ballad that has a Meatloaf Rock Opera sound of tear-jerk nature, and it’s simply brilliant. The orchestration on this record is flawless, expertly highlighting each theme of every track and easy on the ears providing melody and a epic vibe throughout. The attention to detail on this record is virtuoso quality. I just can’t find anything wrong with it. I put Power Metal under high scrutiny, and Daruma PT 2 is at the highest level you can go in the genre.
Daruma PT 2 album is one of those Power Metal albums that make you want to get up off your ass and get you working out or just achieving your goals. Temperance have always been about empowerment and self fulfillment, but following Viktor’s journey is a whole other level of beauty and awestruck emotion. I don’t want to spoil too much about the story for those who ordered the book, but it’s incredibly well done. This record is absolutely clinical from start to finish. Each instrument reflects that Italian Classical refinement and the talent is truly unbelievable. I think their sound has bloomed overall into something huge and incomparably. I think the addition of Starkey is a huge attribute to what makes this record a new cornerstone in Power Metal. Her gorgeous tone, her perfect delivery, and style is so unique and stand out through the entire album. I’m hard pressed to find a vocalist at this level and caliber of raw talent. She has brought this band new life and profoundness that it has so long deserved. She works so well with Michel and Marco, every singer really compliments each other and there’s not a single gap or weakness. 2023 is not over, but this is a huge contender for album of the year for me. I seriously cannot wait to see this band continue with Kristin and Marco, because if they continue on like this, Temperance will no longer be a dark horse and become legendary to the likes of Unleash the Archers, Nightwish, and Helloween.
Rating 10/10
https://www.temperanceband.com/
Metal Valkyrie 