Metal Mixtape: Female Vocals

I’ve already done five posts this week, but as a special treat I’m sending you out an extra Metal Mixtape for your saturday listening pleasure. This week, I’m taking a look at “female-fronted metal (and non-metal) bands.

Nightwish – The Poet and The Pendulam

I’ll come right out and say this, and you can all shoot me if you want. I’ve never been a big Nightwish fan – it always seemed a bit “poppy” for me, as thought Tarja’s vocals overwhelmed the music which “accompanied” them. Bow Tarja is gone, and Nightwish have Annette, whose vocal style lends more to rock than opera, and this is what they sound like. I adore this song, all ten minutes of it, and it’s the perfect epic song to begin our girl power mixtape.

Epica – “Never Enough”

A Dutch symphonic metal band – they incorporate elements of black metal in some songs. I found, on first listen, some of their songs seemed a bit “choppy” – a series of elements shoved together without any cohesive theme, but when you listen to them again, and again, you notice the subtle shifts and changes and themes, and you realize how good they really are. Simone Simmons – arguably the hottest woman singing in metal – and the stunning Epica. I saw these guys live at Wacken and … wow. I will be seeing them again.

Amanda Palmer – “Oasis”

From her solo album Who Killed Amanda Palmer?, the song “Oasis”, which cracks me up. WARNING: this video contains offhand references to rape, molestation, abortion, crack whores, fundementalist Christiams, and Blur *shudder*. But seriously – hilarious!

Arch Enemy – “Carry the Cross”

This is a death metal song for EVERYONE who doesn’t think they’d like death metal. Yes, that means you. I’ve had the pleasure of being front row centre when these guys played at Bloodstock, and … I’m a fan for life.

Lacuna Coil “Our Truth”

Italian metallers Lacuna Coil are staples on the “female-fronted, mid-tempo, power-metal” circuit. I’ve never been a HUGE fan of these guys, due to the way the music seems to sit back, allowing the vocals to take centre stage. (I normally prefer the music from my metal bands to smash me in the face) but this song I like. Christian Scabbia – aside from being gorgeous – can really sing.

And, it goes OFF Live, as evidenced in this Wacken 2009 video (I was here!)

Within Temptation – “Ice Queen”

From Holland, Within Temptation play gothic-rock music in the style of Evanescence, but better. WAY better. I’ve chosen “Ice Queen” from Within Temptation’s best album Mother Earth.

Bik Naked – “I Love Myself Today”

From 2001′s Purge, this is Bif Naked at her rocking, ass-kicking finest. Canadian-American Miss Naked has been on my stereo for about ten years, and she’s also a noted poet, songwriter and actress. I’ve just discovered Bif released a new album in 2009, which I shall have to find.

Opera IX – “Dead from the Grave”

a little Italiam black metal, to finish. WARNING: Not for the faint of heart.

I have missed LOTS of amazing female-fronted metal (and non-metal) bands. Tell me your favorites in the comments!

Steff