Top Female-Fronted Metal and Rock Bands
8. Xandria from Germany:
Fronted by Lisa Middelhauve
Current Favourite Song: Save My Life
I only have a handful of songs by this elusive band... they never gained widespread fame. The few songs that I do have are pretty good though. Loud and melodic. Although I gotta be honest, their songs are pretty generic and somewhat border on corny. However, they are still definitly worth a listen.
They have a new frontwoman now because Lisa called it quits. Since I found out she left, I mostly lost interest in them since she was the most interesting part of the band. She has a very nice rich voice but sometimes she pronounces the English words really funny.
Anyway, they were a really great band who have probably passed their peak.
7. Leaves' Eyes from Norway:
Fronted by Liv Kristine
Current Faourite Song: My Destiny and Heal
For the longest time, I only had their single Elegy downloaded to my iPod. I liked it, but not really enough to go find more. When their latest album Njord came out last year and got excellent reviews, I thought I'd give them another chance. Good decision I'd say. Ive still only got about 12 songs of theirs, but I like what I'm hearing.
Frontwoman Liv Kristine has a very clean and pure voice, and she knows how to use it! Although I can't help but think the woman is a bit of a diva and the whole band seems to have a slightly unnatural obsession with Vikings (don't get me wrong, they are awesome, but this band takes it to a whole new level). I personally could do without the grunting, but hey, its metal! In any case, their songs are powerful, energetic and beautiful... and Liv isn't too hard on the eyes either!
On a similar note, I'm thinking Alla is quite pretty too... too bad we never get to see her :(
6. Delain from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Charlotte Wessels
Current Favourite Song: Daylight Lucidity
I've been in love with Delain for about a year now. I downloaded their entire second album April Rain first and thought it was epic, and then downloaded their first one Lucidity. Now, if I thought April Rain good, Lucidity just blew me out of the water... phenomenal. I don't care about the zillions of guest musicians, it just rocked in every sense of the word. Their music is so so beautiful and energetic with honest, emotional lyrics.
And Charlotte Wessels: oh my! This girl is like 22 ish years old (so she was like 18 when she joined the band) and she is amazing. Absolutely adorable and with a simple and delightful voice. Oh and she's a red-head. That makes her about 20 times more beautiful already.
They haven't been around for too long, but they are doing so well on the symphonic metal scene and I know they have a bright career ahead of them... a career that I will be following closely :)
5. Within Temptation from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Sharon den Adel
Current Favourite Song: Blue Eyes
I think this was the first symphonic metal band I ever came across, and, being from Canada, the whole genre was completely foreign to me, but gosh darn it, I was completely in love. However, this band can be infuriating... namely because they really take their time putting out their albums: the last one, The Heart of Everything was in 2007 and the next won't be out until 2011 at the earliest. Fortunately, it's always worth the wait.
They have a really fantastic dramatic and cinematic sound... seriously, these guys should be scoring movies or something. And then we have Sharon: oh she's amazing. Her voice is so versatile and easy to listen to... its crystal clear and full of emotion: love it! And she's such a sweetheart too; I love watching interviews with her just because she's so very huggably cute!
Anyway, love them to death. And would love them ever so much more if they would just release another album already!
4. Nightwish from Finland:
Fronted by Anette Olzon
Current Favourite song: Escapist
My second symphonic metal love. They are phenominal: loud, bombastic and totally sing-along worthy too. Also, the variety of songs they create is astounding, no two are exactly alike or even a little bit alike. They've done songs on everything from Tutankhamun to the Lord of the Rings and all kinds of epic stuff in between. Anyway, these guys are real musicians and they are passionate about their craft.
As for the inevitable Tarja vs. Anette issue: I most definately support Anette. Tarja was ok, but I'm really not big on her operatic voice. And Anette just seems so much more personable and happy than Tarja (just my opinion though). Some poeple accuse Anette of sounding to "poppy", but I think it sounds perfect. She can be a powerful belter and sing softly like an angel. Oh, and she is a joy to watch onstage: never a dull moment I tell you.
I just wish she changes her hair back to black. I just think it worked alot better for her. Nevertheless, Anette is adorable and I love her. Oh and Nightwish too I guess :)
3. Lacuna Coil from Italy:
Fronted by Cristina Scabbia
Current Favourite Song: In Visible Light, Virtual Environment, Cold Heritage
Oh. my. goodness. Discovered them about two years ago, but it's only in the last six months that I've really fallen in love with them. They are just... amazing. Their music is crazy, its all over the place really. No one genre to give them (except maybe EPIC!!!) Every song is amazing... every song is unique... every song is strange and beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful: Cristina. *drool* She has got to be one of the most gorgeous women I have ever laid eyes on. AND she's got a voice to match... its truly astounding how amazing her voice is... there are no words to describe it, just take a listen for yourself. Oh and she rocks hardcore onstage too... like all-out, nothing held back.
After all the above raving, I feel I must note some flaws. Obviously Cristina has none, but seriously, they need to get rid of Andrea, their male vocalist. He sounds passable in the studio, but live.... its just disgusting. Let the lady show him how its done :D. Secondly, their lastest album Shallow Life: very disappointing. Only one song I actually like (I Won't Tell You). The rest is generic, diluted rock for pansies.
Still. One look from Cristina can make all of that go away :)
2. Epica from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Simone Simons
Current Favourite Song: Martyr of the Free Word, Chasing the Dragon
Haven't been listening to them for very long (less than a year) but they just blew me away. Epica has to be one of the most aptly named bands in history, because they truly are epic! Their music is big, its heavy and full of impactful lyrics. For some reason however they seem remarkably fond of bashing religion in their songs but whatever, its still a treat to listen to.
Oh and then there's Simone. Her beauty rivals Cristina Scabbia and thats saying something. Bright red hair, impeccable gothic fashion sense, whats not to fall in love with? And she's got this crystal clear, only slightly operatic voice... so gorgeous and full of emotion: she's got the full package.
And this band is very good at regularly releasing excellent music. Their latest album Design Your Universe got astronomically high ratings (and rightfully so). They really do get better and better with time. There's hardly an Epica song out there that I don't like.
Any flaws? Just the one: the growls and grunts need to stop. Boys, just clam it and let Simone do her job.
1. Evanescence from the US:
Fronted by Amy Lee
Current Favourite Song: My Last Breath, Cloud Nine
Yes, I know they're not quite the same as the rest of these bands, but have to give them credit: they were my segway from mainstream North American music to European Symphonic Metal. If Ev didn't exist, I would never have discovered these other bands, and so I am eternally grateful to them. I discovered them several years ago, just after The Open Door came out, so I've been obsessing over them for awhile now.
But yes... Evanescence: they may have started out as typical goth angsty teenagers, but (Amy at least) has grown into mature and talented musicians. The music is varied, it's weird, it's creepy and it's beautiful. Not only this, they actually achieved mainstream success in the US... which fabulous because I think it means that North America is finally ready to open up to some of the metal bands listed above!! How cool would that be?
Amy Lee. How to describe her? Gifted comes to mind. Stunning does too. She truly is the brains and the passion behind everything Evanescence does (all the other musicians just fade into the background and dont really seem to matter much). And her stunning looks don't do her any harm either. I mean look at her! She's simply lovely in her own dramatic, gothic way.
The biggest flaw in this lovely epicness of music that is Evanescence: IT HAS BEEN 3.5 YEARS SINCE THEIR LAST ALBUM. Amy likes to vanish after finishing album tours..... and not just little vanishing spells: the ones that last years! For the last 2-3 years, I thought Evanescence had broken up or was on permanent haiatus or something. HAPPILY, they are recording a new album RIGHT NOW due out this fall!! Warm fuzzies all around. Thank you Amy Lee for not stopping making music.
So there you have it. My favourite 8 female fronted bands. Love them? Hate them? Agree? Disagree? Let me know... leave a comment.
Thank you tons.
Oh and:
Honourable Mentions:
Sirenia
We are the Fallen
After Forever
Fronted by Lisa Middelhauve
Current Favourite Song: Save My Life
I only have a handful of songs by this elusive band... they never gained widespread fame. The few songs that I do have are pretty good though. Loud and melodic. Although I gotta be honest, their songs are pretty generic and somewhat border on corny. However, they are still definitly worth a listen.
They have a new frontwoman now because Lisa called it quits. Since I found out she left, I mostly lost interest in them since she was the most interesting part of the band. She has a very nice rich voice but sometimes she pronounces the English words really funny.
Anyway, they were a really great band who have probably passed their peak.
7. Leaves' Eyes from Norway:
Fronted by Liv Kristine
Current Faourite Song: My Destiny and Heal
For the longest time, I only had their single Elegy downloaded to my iPod. I liked it, but not really enough to go find more. When their latest album Njord came out last year and got excellent reviews, I thought I'd give them another chance. Good decision I'd say. Ive still only got about 12 songs of theirs, but I like what I'm hearing.
Frontwoman Liv Kristine has a very clean and pure voice, and she knows how to use it! Although I can't help but think the woman is a bit of a diva and the whole band seems to have a slightly unnatural obsession with Vikings (don't get me wrong, they are awesome, but this band takes it to a whole new level). I personally could do without the grunting, but hey, its metal! In any case, their songs are powerful, energetic and beautiful... and Liv isn't too hard on the eyes either!
On a similar note, I'm thinking Alla is quite pretty too... too bad we never get to see her :(
6. Delain from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Charlotte Wessels
Current Favourite Song: Daylight Lucidity
I've been in love with Delain for about a year now. I downloaded their entire second album April Rain first and thought it was epic, and then downloaded their first one Lucidity. Now, if I thought April Rain good, Lucidity just blew me out of the water... phenomenal. I don't care about the zillions of guest musicians, it just rocked in every sense of the word. Their music is so so beautiful and energetic with honest, emotional lyrics.
And Charlotte Wessels: oh my! This girl is like 22 ish years old (so she was like 18 when she joined the band) and she is amazing. Absolutely adorable and with a simple and delightful voice. Oh and she's a red-head. That makes her about 20 times more beautiful already.
They haven't been around for too long, but they are doing so well on the symphonic metal scene and I know they have a bright career ahead of them... a career that I will be following closely :)
5. Within Temptation from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Sharon den Adel
Current Favourite Song: Blue Eyes
I think this was the first symphonic metal band I ever came across, and, being from Canada, the whole genre was completely foreign to me, but gosh darn it, I was completely in love. However, this band can be infuriating... namely because they really take their time putting out their albums: the last one, The Heart of Everything was in 2007 and the next won't be out until 2011 at the earliest. Fortunately, it's always worth the wait.
They have a really fantastic dramatic and cinematic sound... seriously, these guys should be scoring movies or something. And then we have Sharon: oh she's amazing. Her voice is so versatile and easy to listen to... its crystal clear and full of emotion: love it! And she's such a sweetheart too; I love watching interviews with her just because she's so very huggably cute!
Anyway, love them to death. And would love them ever so much more if they would just release another album already!
4. Nightwish from Finland:
Fronted by Anette Olzon
Current Favourite song: Escapist
My second symphonic metal love. They are phenominal: loud, bombastic and totally sing-along worthy too. Also, the variety of songs they create is astounding, no two are exactly alike or even a little bit alike. They've done songs on everything from Tutankhamun to the Lord of the Rings and all kinds of epic stuff in between. Anyway, these guys are real musicians and they are passionate about their craft.
As for the inevitable Tarja vs. Anette issue: I most definately support Anette. Tarja was ok, but I'm really not big on her operatic voice. And Anette just seems so much more personable and happy than Tarja (just my opinion though). Some poeple accuse Anette of sounding to "poppy", but I think it sounds perfect. She can be a powerful belter and sing softly like an angel. Oh, and she is a joy to watch onstage: never a dull moment I tell you.
I just wish she changes her hair back to black. I just think it worked alot better for her. Nevertheless, Anette is adorable and I love her. Oh and Nightwish too I guess :)
3. Lacuna Coil from Italy:
Fronted by Cristina Scabbia
Current Favourite Song: In Visible Light, Virtual Environment, Cold Heritage
Oh. my. goodness. Discovered them about two years ago, but it's only in the last six months that I've really fallen in love with them. They are just... amazing. Their music is crazy, its all over the place really. No one genre to give them (except maybe EPIC!!!) Every song is amazing... every song is unique... every song is strange and beautiful.
Speaking of beautiful: Cristina. *drool* She has got to be one of the most gorgeous women I have ever laid eyes on. AND she's got a voice to match... its truly astounding how amazing her voice is... there are no words to describe it, just take a listen for yourself. Oh and she rocks hardcore onstage too... like all-out, nothing held back.
After all the above raving, I feel I must note some flaws. Obviously Cristina has none, but seriously, they need to get rid of Andrea, their male vocalist. He sounds passable in the studio, but live.... its just disgusting. Let the lady show him how its done :D. Secondly, their lastest album Shallow Life: very disappointing. Only one song I actually like (I Won't Tell You). The rest is generic, diluted rock for pansies.
Still. One look from Cristina can make all of that go away :)
2. Epica from the Netherlands:
Fronted by Simone Simons
Current Favourite Song: Martyr of the Free Word, Chasing the Dragon
Haven't been listening to them for very long (less than a year) but they just blew me away. Epica has to be one of the most aptly named bands in history, because they truly are epic! Their music is big, its heavy and full of impactful lyrics. For some reason however they seem remarkably fond of bashing religion in their songs but whatever, its still a treat to listen to.
Oh and then there's Simone. Her beauty rivals Cristina Scabbia and thats saying something. Bright red hair, impeccable gothic fashion sense, whats not to fall in love with? And she's got this crystal clear, only slightly operatic voice... so gorgeous and full of emotion: she's got the full package.
And this band is very good at regularly releasing excellent music. Their latest album Design Your Universe got astronomically high ratings (and rightfully so). They really do get better and better with time. There's hardly an Epica song out there that I don't like.
Any flaws? Just the one: the growls and grunts need to stop. Boys, just clam it and let Simone do her job.
1. Evanescence from the US:
Fronted by Amy Lee
Current Favourite Song: My Last Breath, Cloud Nine
Yes, I know they're not quite the same as the rest of these bands, but have to give them credit: they were my segway from mainstream North American music to European Symphonic Metal. If Ev didn't exist, I would never have discovered these other bands, and so I am eternally grateful to them. I discovered them several years ago, just after The Open Door came out, so I've been obsessing over them for awhile now.
But yes... Evanescence: they may have started out as typical goth angsty teenagers, but (Amy at least) has grown into mature and talented musicians. The music is varied, it's weird, it's creepy and it's beautiful. Not only this, they actually achieved mainstream success in the US... which fabulous because I think it means that North America is finally ready to open up to some of the metal bands listed above!! How cool would that be?
Amy Lee. How to describe her? Gifted comes to mind. Stunning does too. She truly is the brains and the passion behind everything Evanescence does (all the other musicians just fade into the background and dont really seem to matter much). And her stunning looks don't do her any harm either. I mean look at her! She's simply lovely in her own dramatic, gothic way.
The biggest flaw in this lovely epicness of music that is Evanescence: IT HAS BEEN 3.5 YEARS SINCE THEIR LAST ALBUM. Amy likes to vanish after finishing album tours..... and not just little vanishing spells: the ones that last years! For the last 2-3 years, I thought Evanescence had broken up or was on permanent haiatus or something. HAPPILY, they are recording a new album RIGHT NOW due out this fall!! Warm fuzzies all around. Thank you Amy Lee for not stopping making music.
So there you have it. My favourite 8 female fronted bands. Love them? Hate them? Agree? Disagree? Let me know... leave a comment.
Thank you tons.
Oh and:
Honourable Mentions:
Sirenia
We are the Fallen
After Forever