Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands—from Legendary Groups to Promising Newcomers

DeathNervosa

NERVOSA – Death (Official Video) | Napalm Records

Nervosa is a thrash metal band from Brazil.

Formed in 2010, they released a demo in 2012 and quickly signed with Austria’s Napalm Records, rapidly gaining popularity, especially in Europe.

While they initially drew attention for being an all-female band, their powerful, authentic performances swiftly overturned the idea that thrash metal is a men’s genre.

Breaking beyond the “girls’ band” label, they’ve captured the attention not only of metalheads worldwide but also of broader music fans.

Following lineup changes and a new formation, all eyes are on their future achievements.

SpitKittie

Spit

Formed in Canada in 1996, the heavy metal band Kittie will blow you away with an aggression you wouldn’t expect from an all-female group—just listen to the title track of their debut album, Spit, and you’ll get it.

Their addictive, powerful guitar riffs, death growls that rival any male vocalist, and, in stark contrast, operatic, resonant clean vocals seized the hearts of devoted fans.

The more you dive into their uniquely striking songs, the more hooked you’ll become.

Definitely check them out!

Stop PretendingThe Pandoras

THE PANDORAS – Stop Pretending (1986)

They weren’t blessed with commercial success, and unless you’re quite knowledgeable about genres like punk or garage, you might not know them—but they’re a very compelling all-girl band.

They’re also known for having Kim Shattuck—who later found success as the vocalist and guitarist of The Muffs—on bass.

One of their defining traits is that their sound changed drastically depending on the era: early on they played ’60s-style garage punk, in the middle period they emphasized pop melodies, and in their later years they moved closer to LA metal.

The central figure, Paula Pierce, and the aforementioned Kim Shattuck have both passed away, but if you’re interested in cult favorite girl bands, definitely give them a listen.

It’s More Than Rock and RollRock Goddess

Rock Goddess – It’s More Than Rock and Roll

Rock Goddess, formed in 1977 by sisters Jody Turner and Julie Turner amid the New Wave of British Heavy Metal sweeping the UK.

At a time when all-female bands had yet to gain a firm foothold, they helped lay the foundation of “female metal,” following in the wake of Girlschool.

Their edgy sound, tinged with melancholy melodies and powered by commanding vocals, gave them a formidable presence in the scene.

Among their tracks, the fast-paced numbers are particularly spiky—and insanely cool!

The PretenderCherri Bomb

Cherri Bomb – The Pretender

Formed in 2008, the band Cherri Bomb showcased first-rate musical sensibilities—blending hard rock, alternative rock, punk, and more—despite being in their teens, drawing attention from across the scenes.

Due to musical differences, members left after 2013, and in 2015 the band changed its name to the current HEY VIOLET and has continued its activities.

Their tracks are also available on YouTube, so be sure to find a favorite song.

EmergencyGirlschool

Girlschool-Emergency

It’s true that rock music—and especially the heavy metal genre—has long been a male-dominated world.

Charging into that scene and, despite numerous lineup changes, sustaining a 30-year career as an all-female band, the legendary group Girlschool stands out.

They rose to prominence during the so-called NWOBHM boom that erupted mainly in the UK in the 1980s, gaining worldwide popularity as pioneers of the all-girl band.

Their 1981 album Hit and Run was a hit in their home country of Britain and ultimately went gold.

Although they experienced some lean years afterward, they returned from a hiatus and, even into the 2020s, continue to barrel down the straight, loud, high-volume highway.

SeetherVeruca Salt

Veruca Salt – Seether

Veruca Salt, an American band, brought a pop breeze to the grunge scene of the ’90s.

Formed in 1992, they’re a striking band known for the blend of female twin-vocal harmonies by Louise Post and Nina Gordon and fuzz-drenched guitar sounds.

Their 1994 breakout track “Seether” drew major attention, ranking 10th on Paste’s “50 Best Grunge Songs of the 1990s.” Their hit “Volcano Girls” is also known for opening the film Jawbreaker.

Although they went on hiatus for a time, they reunited with the original members—much to the delight of fans who had been eagerly awaiting their return.

If you crave pop melodies that shine through distorted guitars, this band is irresistible.