Vixen
January 8, 2010 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Jan Kuehnemund was still at high school in St. Paul, Minessota, when she decided to form a band in 1980. She called it Vixen and toured the USA to finnish settling in Los Angeles. It was during these road days when Jan recruited Janet Gardner after enjoying her voice in a Californian club.
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Country: USA
History: 1980-1991, 1997-1998, 2001-Present
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock, Glam Rock
Biography:
Jan Kuehnemund was still at high school in St. Paul, Minessota, when she decided to form a band in 1980. She called it Vixen and toured the USA to finnish settling in Los Angeles. It was during these road days when Jan recruited Janet Gardner after enjoying her voice in a Californian club.
It was 1984, the year when this early Vixen version, completed with Tamara Ivanov (rhythm guitar), Pia Miacco (bass, later Steve Vai’s wife) and Laurie Hedlund on drums, played live in a movie called “Hardbodies”. Originally made for Playboy TV, but released as a feature film instead, this R-rated movie was about beach & parties. Vixen appeared playing six songs as the on-screen band Diaper Rash.
The “classic” Vixen lineup was two members away, being the drummer Roxy Petrucci the first of them joining the formation. She was playing with her sister Maxine in Madam X, but after they splitted up Vixen sent her a demo, and after some jams together Roxy became the new band drummer.
As a four piece act they made a three track demo, fetaturing “Leave Me Alone”, “Waiting For You” and “You Oughta Know By Now”, which was sent to EMI. The company invited the four girls to a showcase, enough to seal their relation with a contract in 1988. This was the year when the classic lineup was completed, after Sharon “Share” Pedersen (discovered by Janet playing in Hollywood) replaced Pia on the bass, and the year they were interviewed by Penelope Spheeris for her film The Decline of Western Civilization II: The Metal Years. This documentary follows the heavy metal scene in Los Angeles, with particular emphasis on the glam metal sub-genre, and although Vixen were interviewed they didn’t play live neither collaborated in the movie soundtrack.
Soon after signing the record deal with EMI, Vixen began to work in their debut self-titled album, to release it the fall of 1988. It was produced by David Cole, Spencer Proffer, Rick Neigher and Richard Marx, who was the composer and keyboardist of the first hit extracted from the album, “Edge Of A Broken Heart”, which reached the 26th position in the US charts. It had a great MTV coverage, and was only overcome by the follow up single “Cryin’”, which went to the #22. “Love Made Me” was the last single coming out from this great debut album that sold more than a million of copies.
Vixen spent the next year touring the world, supporting acts such as Ozzy Osbourne, Scorpions, and Bon Jovi, as well as headlining their own shows. In 1989 they played at the Milton Keynes festival, headlined by Bon Jovi and with Skid Row and Europe in the folder.
A live gig in Düsseldorf (Germany) was broadcasted live on television on 1989 January the 5th, before they returned to the studio later this year to record “Rev It Up”. It was released in July 1990 and entered the UK Chart at No 20. Highest position on US Chart was #52, surely not the one EMI was expecting. While in “Vixen” the band members (mostly Kuehnemund and Gardner) participated in the composition process of 5 out of 11 songs, in its sophomore the number grew up to 10.
The singles “How Much Love”, “Love Is A Killer” and “Not A Minute Too Soon” were in the set lists of the tours following the album release and in the video “Revved Up”, a six clip compilation.
The tours included headlining shows, an unplugged concert for the MTV, and opening gigs for bands such as Kiss and Deep Purple. It was after their European tour with Deep Purple in April 1991 when the band called it a day due to musical differences and management issues.
In 1997 some Vixen members tried a comeback. Drummer Roxy Petrucci reformed the band again with Janet Gardner at the mic and rythim guitar and Gina Stile in the position of Kuehnemund, who later sued the band for copyright infringement. This lineup toured the States in 1997 with Rana Ross on the bass, and released an album “Tangerine” in 1998 on CMC International, with a grungy sound strongly different to the one trademarked by the original Vixen. All their songs where co-written by Gardner and Stile, and the bass was recorded by Mike Pisculli. Again they toured across their country, this time with Roxy’s sister Maxine on bass. The former bassist Share Pedersen joined her husband’s Dogs D’Amour and also formed Bubble with him.
This comeback attempt didn’t last too much, and in 1998 the band splitted up for the second time, but in 2001 it was Kuehnemund’s turn to reform the band she founded twenty years ago. The new Vixen incarnation consisted of Jan, Janet Gardner, Roxy Petrucci and Pat Holloway. But it was again not a pleasant comeback, as the lineup changed completely amid the U.S Voices Of Metal tour with only Kuehnemund holding the band’s name and quickly recruiting Jenna Sanz-Agero (Jenna Piccolo) as vocalist, Lynn Louise Lowrey on the bass and Kathrin “Kat” Kraft on the drums to complete the tour.
This lineup, currently together, in 2006 released a new studio album entitled “Live & Learn” (Demolition Records) and a live album and DVD called “Extended Versions”, recorded in Sweden Rock Festival in 2005. Before this, the classic formation reunited for a special show at VH1’s “Bands reunited” in 2004. Following its broadcast, EMI re-released the first two Vixen albums.
The current Vixen plans include recording a new studio CD and major tour promotion in 2009. A special remix with bonus tracks and a DVD of the Sweden Rock’ 05 concert, entitled “Live In Sweden” will be released in Europe.
Lineup:
Jenna Sanz-Agero (Jenna Piccolo) – Vocals
Jan Kuehnemund – Guitar, backing vocals
Lynn Louise Lowrey – Bass, backing vocals
Kathrin “Kat” Kraft – Drums, backing vocals
Former members:
Janet Gardner – Vocals, guitar
Liza Carbe – Bass, backing vocals
Tamara Ivanov – Guitar, backing vocals
Pia Maiocco – Bass, backing vocals
Laurie Hedlund – Drums, backing vocals
Roxy Petrucci – Drums, backing vocals
Share Pedersen – Bass, backing vocals
Gina Stile – Guitar, backing vocals
Rana Ross – Bass, backing vocals
Maxine Petrucci – Bass, backing vocals
Pat Holloway – Bass, backing vocals
Noelle Bucci – Vocals
Gayle Erickson-DeMatoff – Bass, backing vocals
Cindy Boettcher – Keyboards, backing vocals
Marlene Peterson – Drums, backing vocals
Nancy Shanks – Vocals
Session musicians:
Richard Marx – Keyboards on “Vixen”
Michael Alemania – Keyboards on “Rev It Up”
Mike Pisculli – Bass, backing vocals on “Tangerine”
Chris Fayz – Keyboards on “Live & Learn”
Randy Wooten – Keyboards on “Live & Learn”
Paulie Cerra – Saxophone on “Live & Learn”
Robert Lear – Bagpipes on “Live & Learn”
Discography:
1988, “Vixen” (LP)
1990, “Rev It Up” (LP)
1998, “Tangerine” (LP)
2006, “Live & Learn” (LP)
2006, “Extended Versions” (Live LP, 2006)
Related links:
Vixen official site
Vixen @ Wikipedia
Vixen @ Metalmaidens.com
Neil’s Vixen page
Videos
Atomic Blonde
December 18, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Originally called Glass Lily, this Nashville quartet practices a commercial hard rock with quality. Their instrumental power, with some flash of sweetened garage/punk, is counterbalanced by the melodic and sometimes sensual voice of Dacia.
Country: Unites States
History: 2004 – Present
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock
Biography:
Originally called Glass Lily, this Nashville quartet practices a commercial (in a good sense) hard rock with quality. Their instrumental power, with some flash of sweetened garage/punk, is counterbalanced by the melodic and sometimes sensual voice of Dacia. This contrast is clearly reflected in their name.
2005 winner of a competition between 12.000 bands, Atomic Blonde have appeared in publications like Metal Edge or Rolling Stone. They have also taken advantage of the resources offered by the Internet, and climbed to second place in the Myspace charts. An appearance in a promotional video clip for the contest “The Next Great American Band” (Fox) has given them some popularity, which pushed them to record their first and self titled album.
Lineup:
Dacia – Vocals, guitar
Kendra Kayne – Drums
Danielle Day – Bass
Fran Reed – Guitar
Former members:
Amber – Guitar
Discography:
2008, “Atomic Blonde” (LP)
Related links:
Atomic Blonde interview @ Metaladies.com
Atomic Blonde official
Atomic Blonde @ Myspace
Videos
Aphasia
November 18, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Although Aphasia was formed in the mid-nineties, they represent those bands from the eighties who succeed mixing hard rock and heavy metal, such as Def Leppard, Dokken or Mr. Big.
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Country: Japan
History: 1994 – present
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock/Melodic Metal
Biography:
Although Aphasia was formed in the mid-nineties, they represent those bands from the eighties who succeed mixing hard rock and heavy metal, such as Def Leppard, Dokken or Mr. Big.
With a trio shaped nucleus maintained almost throughout all its history, Jun, Goe and Yumi (drummer, guitarist and vocalist respectively), they debuted on vinyl appearing on the compilation “Women’s Power FIRST”, an assimilated title that has helped to keep their name alive.
Demo after demo they were strengthening their style, until 1999 when Aphasia released “Mirage On The Ice”. After it they made their first Japanese tour, and in 2001 a successful “Wings Of Fire” which gave them a recording contract with King Records. Following the signing they were gradually guiding their steps to a more power pop style, without losing their hard melodic base. “Labyrinth In My Heart” and the recommended “Wild & Innocent” started the trend, confirmed in “Gambler”.
They latest release “Sweet Illusion” features a new vocalist, Luka.
Lineup:
Luka – Vocals
Sumiko “Goe” Ishikawa – Guitar
Jun Takeda – Drums
Former members:
Noriko Takahashi – Keyboards
Kyoko “Kyon” Morita – Bass
Ten – Guitar
Junko Suzuki – Bass
Myu – Bass
Sho – Bass
Satoko Mizoshita – Guitar
Yumi Kondoh – Vocals
Saki – Bass
Maki – Keyboards
Discography:
1995, “Demo” (Demo)
1997, “Aphasia II” (Demo)
1999, “Mirage On The Ice” (LP)
2001, “Wings Of Fire” (LP)
2003, “Labyrinth In My Heart” (LP)
2004, “Wild And Innocent” (LP)
2005, “Mirage” (EP)
2006, “Gambler” (LP)
2009, “Sweet Illusion” (LP)
Related links:
Aphasia @ Myspace
Aphasia official site
AC/DShe
April 27, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
There are several AC/DC female tribute bands, but unlike the rest, AC/DShe setlist reviews exclusively the Bon Scott era. And they do with attitude, quality and an onstage show where we can see the Agnes Young dressed as schoolgirl marking historical riffs or Bonny Scott emulating without complex the late Bon.
Country: United States
History: 1997 – Currently
Status: Active
Style: AC/DC tribute
Biography:
There are several AC/DC female tribute bands, but unlike the rest, AC/DShe setlist reviews exclusively the Bon Scott era. And they do with attitude, quality and an onstage show where we can see the Agnes Young dressed as schoolgirl marking historical riffs or Bonny Scott emulating without complex the late Bon.
Along with Mallory Young, Riff Williams and Philomena Rudd they’v played in American and European venues opening for KISS, Aerosmith, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, Girlschool, Joan Jett, Marilyn Manson, Y&T, Pat Benatar or the first AC/DC’s singer Dave Evans.
The band denies the label “cover band”, and they profess to be a “tribute band” as their tribute is not only musically but physically.
Lineuo:
Agnes Young – Guitar
Mallory Young – Guitar
Bonny Scott – Vocals
Riff Williams – Bass
Philomena Rudd – Drums
Related links:
http://www.acdshe.com
Videos:
Fates Fury
April 14, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Fates Fury’s origins date back to 2005 when Jerrica Simon teamed up with Nikki Killz to begin writing under the name of Dopegirl. It was not until 2007 that they closed the triangle with the addition of bassist Christina Poison, a friend of the band who was back in town.
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Country: United States
History: 2005 – Currently
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Biography:
Fates Fury’s origins date back to 2005 when Jerrica Simon teamed up with Nikki Killz to begin writing under the name of Dopegirl. It was not until 2007 that they closed the triangle with the addition of bassist Christina Poison, a friend of the band who was back in town.
They began offering concerts in Los Angeles, offering their music that owes its origins to the punk, but over the time has acquired a hard rock/metal complexion, highlighting their love for melodies and catchy choruses.
After recording eight the tracks of “Pipe Dreams”, the band ventured back into the L.A. scene to gradually carve out a name and to attract fans. With their mind set on greater acceptance by industry, Dopegirl became Fates Fury. But it is not necessary, of course, to achieve the desired impact. That’s why they are working on the gestation of a new album, which points to a direction a little darker than the previous one.
Lineup:
Jerrica Simon – Vocals, guitar
Christina Poison – Bass, backing vocals
Nikki Killz – Drums, backing vocals
Discography:
2008, “Pipe Dreams” (LP as Dopegirl)
Related links:
http://www.myspace.com/dopegirlrecords
Bitchcock
March 25, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
With this curious name tribute to Hitchcock, but with a feminine touch and thug, Annemiek van Grondel and the drummer Elisabeth Esselink began rehearsing in a dark studio. It was the summer of 1990, but it was not until seven years later and several lineup changes that the band matured and finally showed their cards, an mixture of alternative hard rock and melodic guitars.
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Country: The Netherlands
History: 1990 – 2005
Status: Inctive
Style: Alternative Rock/Metal
Biography:
With this curious name tribute to Hitchcock, but with a feminine touch and thug, Annemiek van Grondel and the drummer Elisabeth Esselink began rehearsing in a dark studio. It was the summer of 1990, but it was not until seven years later and several lineup changes that the band matured and finally showed their cards, an mixture of alternative hard rock and melodic guitars.
They toured Holland, opening for bands such as Hole, Babes In Toyland and Killdozer, but also visited Switzerland, Germany and Austria. The same year they played in front of 6500 people at a concert, and in front of just 5 a few months later.
As a legacy, Bitchcock recorded an EP called “Gusher” and the LP “The Birds”, which garnered good response from the specialized press in their. To move away from a band called Rockbitch, they radically changed its name to be called LeSabre, honouring a Buick from the 50s.
And with the name change they came the problems. After recording an LP “The Devil Is A Woman” which never saw the light, desertions began. Yolande gave way to Abel Canizales the first man entering the lineup, something that Annemiek and Ly accepted despite their traditional opposition. Always wanted to remain a wholly female group, although the good work of Abel changed their opinion. Even so, Bitchcock/LeSabre was injured to end up disappearing, after fifteen years of existence, not enduring another lineup change.
Lineup:
Annemiek van Grondel – Vocals, Guitar
Ly Spijkstra – Bass, backing vocals
Yolande Nagelmaeker – Lead guitar
Sam Ford – Drums
Former members:
Elisabeth Esselink – Drums
Gerrie van den Akker – Drums
Abel Cañizales – Lead guitar
Yohan van Reede – Guitar
Sandrijn Holleboom – Drums
Walter Kloppenborg – Guitar
Alan Natale – Drums
Discography:
1996, “Gusher” (EP)
1998, “The Birds” (LP)
2001, “The Devil Is A Woman” (Unreleased LP as LeSabre)
Related links:
Bitchcock interview @ Metaladies.com
All the pictures taken by: Jacquie Maria Wessels
Absinthe
February 27, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
When they started they were working women and mothers who were returning to the stage after a period of musical inactivity. Enjoying a second youth, Absinthe came from the confluence of the two most productive scenes in American metal, the ones from New York and Los Angeles. In 2009 they reformed almost completely, with Briana Alexis still leading a band that revamped their sound to heavier approach.
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Country: United States
History: 2007 – Currently
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock
Biography:
When they started they were working women and mothers who were returning to the stage after a period of musical inactivity. Enjoying a second youth, Absinthe came from the confluence of the two most productive scenes in American metal, the ones from New York and Los Angeles.
This quintet initially adhered to the canons of hard rock with special predilection for superimposing melodic guitar lines, features components that have played in garage and glam bands, from without any doubt they have assimilated the attitude and image. They can be enjoyed playing in venues as the legendary Whiskey A Go Go or in beneficial morning concerts.
After several musical direction changes, including experiments with classical instruments, they finally opted for the quintessential rock formation, the quintet, with which they recorded their first EP “Absinthe Of Malice”.
In 2009 they reformed almost completely, with Briana Alexis still leading a band that revamped their sound to heavier approach.
Lineup:
Laura Vall – Vocals
Briana Alexis – Guitar
Felicia Villani – Guitar
Crystal Diamond – Bass
Misai Chan – Drums
Former members:
Alexis X – Bass
Hope Easton – Keyboards
Caroline Heldman – Vocals
Elisa Chiusano – Drums
Beth-Ami Dokus – Bass
Discography:
2008, “Absinthe Of Malice” (EP)
Related links:
http://www.myspace.com/absinthewomen
Absinthe @ All Access Magazine
Videos
Ksichties
January 9, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Ksichties was formed in 1992 in Prague, and practiced a kind of really melodic heavy metal. They signed to Happy Music, with whom they released their only LP, self titled “Ksichties” and sung entirely in Czech.
Country: Czech Republic
History: 1992 – 1996
Status: Inactive
Style: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Biography:
Ksichties was formed in 1992 in Prague, and practiced a kind of really melodic heavy metal. They signed to Happy Music, with whom they released their only LP, self titled “Ksichties” and sung entirely in Czech.
Despite recording the LP and their recording contract, multiple lineup changes (in one of them it joined Martina Ponocná, ex-Loretta) eventually blow up the future of the band.
Lineup:
Karolína Hejduková – Vocals
Lucie Øezanková – Guitar
Martina Ponocná – Bass
Martina Porkertová – Drums
Former members:
Martina Pet Èechová – Vocals
Helena Kubelková – Vocals
Dagmar Šastná – Guitar
Marcela Chmelíøová – Guitar
Jaroslava Doksanská – Bass
Discography:
1996, “Ksichties” (LP)
Related links:
http://www.metal-archives.com/band.php?id=49850
Videos
Cockpit
January 8, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Cockpit born in Hollywood in 2003 to settle permanently as a band in 2004. Their lineup has remained intact since then: Linda Lou on vocals and guitar, the drummer Rachael Rine, Terri Kiing on bass and Alicia Blü as lead guitar.
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Country: United States
History: 2003 – Currently
Status: Active
Style: Hard Rock/Heavy Metal
Biography:
Cockpit born in Hollywood in 2003 to settle permanently as a band in 2004. Their lineup has remained intact since then: Linda Lou on vocals and guitar, the drummer Rachael Rine, Terri Kiing on bass and Alicia Blü as lead guitar.
After years of concerts and rehearsals, they finally presented in 2008 the EP “Mission To Rock”, a demonstration of heavy/rock with quality.
Read Cockpit’s interview @ Metaladies
Lineupl:
Linda Lou – Vocals, guitar
Rachael Rine – Drums
Terrii Kiing – Bass
Alicia Blü – Guitar
Discography:
2008, “Mission To Rock” (EP)
Related links:
http://www.ilovecockpit.com
http://www.myspace.com/cockpit
Videos
Rock Goddess
January 7, 2009 by metaladies
Filed under Bands, New
Rock Goddess was a female metal band framed within the NWOBHM, who gained cult status in the early eighties in their native Britain. In 1978, Jody Turner, inspired by the success of The Runaways, decided to start their own band.
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Country: Great Britain
History: 1978 – 1987
Status: Inactive
Style: Rock/Heavy Metal
Biography:
Rock Goddess was a female metal band framed within the NWOBHM, who gained cult status in the early eighties in their native Britain.
In 1978, Jody Turner, inspired by the success of The Runaways, decided to start their own band. It did not take long to find a drummer, as this place was occupied by her sister Julie, with whom she formed the basis of a formation that moved between the trio and the quartet.
By that time the Turner sisters were only 9 and 13 years old and their father John, who owned a record store, was the band’ s manager. They began to perform in London clubs, capturing the attention of Vic Maile, who produced their first demo in 1982.
Things went even further, and that same year they participated in the Reading festival. The concert was so successful that A & M Records signed them to record their first album “Rock Goddess”, without Donnica and with Tracey Lamb as her substitute.
Anecdotally, the Turner sisters participated as backing vocalists on the 7″ Samson’s “Living, Loving and Lying”, B-side of “Red Skies”. Another curiosity is that Rock Goddess had to cancel a tour with UFO then by law as Julie law, still in school, could not act more than 6 gigs in a row.
Instead, they could perform as opening act for Def Leppard, after which Tracey Lamb (along with the second guitarist Kat Burbella, with whom he formed the band She) decided to leave the group. The reason was disguised as “musical differences”, although the case was that Tracey did not get along very well with Jody and the Turner’s domain. Tracey ended up in the Girlschool’s roster.
The sadly dissapeared Kelly Johnson from Girlschool, supplanted Tracey in a Germanic TV show until Dee O ‘Mally arrived as permanent bassist.
With her they recorded the second album “Hell Hath No Fury”, after which the band toured with Saxon. They had previously played with Y & T and Iron Maiden. But in 1986 the luck began to change for Rock Goddess, as their recording contract with A & M ended, and Dee decided to dedicate to her newfound motherhood.
In 1987, the French label JID published sessions that the formation recorded in 1985 with Paul Samson, only in the Gallic country. With Julia Longman as bassist and Becky Axten as keyboardist, Rock Goddess toured six months to part ways in 1987.
In 1988, the Turner created the The Jody Turner Band, later only Turner, and then nothing as they splitted quickly.
Rock Goddess reappeared in 1994 with a completely different lineup. In fact, it was not even Julie Turner. Jody Turner remained in it, but this time the lineup was completed by Aki Shibahara (bass), Nicola Shaw (drums) and Izabella Fronzoni (guitar, previously in Ice Age). In 1995 they recalled themselves Braindance to end up disappearing after two years of rehearsals and few concerts, and the abandonment of Izabella due to disagreements on how Jody and her father were organizing Rock Goddess.
Original lineup:
Jody Turner – Vocals, guitar
Julie Turner – Drums, vocals
Tracey Lamb – Bass, vocals
Former members:
Julia Longman – Bass
Becky Axten – Keyboards
Donnica Colman – Bass, vocals
Kat Burbella – Guitar
Dee O’ Mally – Bass, keyboards
Aki Shibahara – Bass
Izabella Fronzoni – Guitar
Discography:
1982, “Demo” (Demo)
1983, “Rock Goddess” (LP)
1984, “Hell Hath No Fury” (LP)
1987, “Young And Free” (LP)
Related links:
http://www.myspace.com/traceylambsrockgoddesspage
http://www.metalmaidens.com/rgoddess.htm
http://www.myspace.com/rockgoddesstributepage
Videos
