Top 10 Best Female Fronted Metal Bands

There are a few lists out about female front women, but this list is for the best female-fronted bands that are considered "metal," including metalcore, nu-metal, death metal, etc.

The Top Ten

Nightwish

Nightwish is a symphonic metal band from Kitee, Finland. It was formed in 1996 by Tuomas Holopainen, Emppu Vuorinen, and Tarja Turunen. The current lineup includes Holopainen, Vuorinen, Floor Jansen, Troy Donockley, and Kai Hahto, who is temporarily replacing drummer Jukka Nevalainen.

I absolutely love Nightwish. Everything about them is amazing. Their lyrics are deep, dark, and inspiring. Their music is spectacular. I have been a Nightwish fan for six years, and I'm only 12. I first heard Poet and the Pendulum when I was 6, and I was entranced by the melody of the music and Annette's voice.
I begged - literally begged - my father to get me all the Nightwish albums. I had heard every Nightwish song in a matter of two days. Now you can just play a few seconds of a Nightwish song, and I'll tell you the right answer. If you don't believe me, Nightwish themselves tested me. I met them before a concert a few months ago, and they tested me. I gave the right answers for Weak Fantasy, Wish I Had an Angel, and Sacrament of Wilderness. They were shocked and literally kept waving at me from the stage. Anyway, Nightwish is amazing and probably the most brilliant band to ever walk this earth.
Evanescence

Evanescence is an American rock band founded in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1994 by singer and keyboardist Amy Lee and guitarist Ben Moody. The group rose to prominence in the early 2000s with their debut studio album Fallen (2003), which included the hit singles Bring Me to Life and My Immortal.... read more

Great band that delivers with every album released. Their first album 'Fallen' is a great example of why they deserve to be on this list, having sold 17 million copies worldwide alone. That, and two Grammy Awards, and onwards to much more. I'm surprised to see them at number two, but when people revote for the same band over and over until it's first, I can see why. Perhaps a better voting system would better represent a more accurate list.
It's a pity that some pathetic posters feel the need to trash talk about other bands like children. A moderator might be a good idea next time. But it's great to see a list like this for true lovers of great music to look up and hear about other bands they might not have known about. Thanks.
Lacuna Coil

Lacuna Coil is an Italian metal band from Milan. Since their formation in 1994, the group has undergone two name changes, previously known as Sleep of Right and Ethereal. The band is best known for combining gothic and alternative metal, and for the dual vocal style of Cristina Scabbia and Andrea Ferro... read more

She has such a powerful voice and never fails to deliver an amazing performance, giving it all she has got. Her voice is so distinct and powerful that she stands out from everyone else. She is an amazing role model for many women and girls out there, and she proves to us all to just be ourselves - no fakery, just be honest, be yourself, and love yourself because we are all perfect the way we are.
She is such a friendly, caring woman who will go out of her way for others and her fans. I waited after a gig to see her and the band, and she gave us all the time in the world to greet us, sign albums, and take photos with us. To me, she is the best.

While the band has struggled to find a consistent sound, and thus maintain the same steady fan base as some of the others on this list, Cristina Scabbia is hands down the most talented female vocalist in metal.
Early releases like "Falling" from their self-titled EP showed her ability to convey raw emotion through her voice. Tracks throughout Comalies and Karmacode demonstrated her voice being precise and never falling short over a massive range. In their latest album, Dark Adrenaline, she even proved capable of delivering vocal blue notes.
I've seen a good chunk of these bands live, including powerhouses like Within Temptation and Evanescence, but they just didn't measure up. Lacuna Coil had a small and unresponsive crowd, yet still delivered one of the most energetic and well-played shows I've seen. Cristina's voice was so powerful that it was easier to hear from her lips than from the speakers.
There's a lot of talent on this list, but Lacuna Coil takes the cake.
Within Temptation

Within Temptation is a Dutch symphonic metal band founded in April 1996 by vocalist Sharon den Adel and guitarist Robert Westerholt.hey gained widespread popularity with their second album, Mother Earth, released in 2000. The band is known for blending metal with symphonic and gothic elements.

What really makes a good band great? Charisma. Of all the leading front ladies in this list (and there are a lot of terrific ones), Sharon has a certain quality of charisma that you just can't stop watching or listening to. It's like it's always a perfect fit. They can do much more symphonic-based stuff (like Memories) and then they can turn in a very different direction (like Sinead), and Sharon just becomes what that song needs.
I love Simone. I think Annette is terrific and Lacey is crazy good (and there are many others as well), but Sharon just is.

Sharon Den Adel has angelic vocals.
They are my favorite band.
They get my vote.
Not a single "bad" song. They have "non-metal" songs (but so do many other bands on this list), and they still sound amazing and blow other genre greats out of the water.
The cohesiveness of their sound, despite all the different elements, is really unique in all of music, not just this genre.
Where else can you find angelic female vocals, symphonic thunder, rap, and growls all in the same song?
Arch Enemy

Arch Enemy is a Swedish melodic death metal band from Halmstad, formed in 1996 as a supergroup. Its members have played in bands such as Carcass, Armageddon, Carnage, Mercyful Fate, Spiritual Beggars, and Eucharist. The band became known for its blend of aggressive guitar riffs, melodic solos, and dynamic... read more

Well, you have to experience them live to fully understand why so many different people from all genre types adore them. It's not just Angela's phenomenal voice and Michael's wicked melodic-death-metal riffs. It's the whole package of pure power and might that fills the air.
When you see them at first, you'll never expect that such a slight and graceful little person like Angela could release a tremendous thunderstorm of deep growls. I couldn't believe it until I saw them live. Don't expect some melodic finesse like Tarja Turunen. This is raw. This is pure unleashed power.
Yes, I'm a huge fan of that band. But I suggest everyone at least check them out on YouTube.
Epica

Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band, founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever. The band is known for combining classical elements with metal and for its philosophical and spiritual lyrical themes. Since their debut in 2003, Epica has become one of the leading... read more

I don't want to sound like a hater here, but here it goes: I voted for Epica because Epica deserves to be ranked higher. I also like Arch Enemy and Nightwish, which are already up there, but Epica MUST be higher than Evanescence, guys. Really. Especially on a metal list. Evanescence is rock. I have nothing against rock or Evanescence. However, sorry Evanescence fans, but Epica is way more creative. First of all, their lyrical quality is very high, and they have a unique concept. Secondly, they fit into the metal genre better and have a heavy, symphonic style.
Epica's music contains grunts, but anyone who has heard Simone Simons sing can relate. She can sing. Her range is really high. She can sing the low notes as well as the high ones. She can sing with her chest voice and her head voice, which is true talent. If you want to know what I mean, just listen to Epica's Chasing The Dragon, Consign To Oblivion, Kingdom Of Heaven, or similar songs. This needs to be higher than Evanescence, guys. Vote.
In This Moment

In This Moment is an American alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California. The group was formed in 2005 by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth, who originally named the band Dying Star before changing it. They gained recognition with their 2007 debut album Beautiful Tragedy and are... read more

Though I like many of the bands on this list, In This Moment is not only my favorite listed, but my favorite overall. Why? Firstly, the lyrics never cease to be the perfect mix of catchy and meaningful. Secondly, the theatrics that the band puts on in live performances are unforgettable. It's not just music the fans come to see. It's a piece of theatre, an art form.
Thirdly, the singer. How could anyone not fall in love with Maria's insane vocals? She can scream, growl, shout, and sing with a wider range than most vocalists, as well as crazy amounts of power in her voice. These factors, combined with a style that changes with every song and a talented group of musicians that certainly amp up the heavy, make it impossible to get bored with In This Moment.
Halestorm

Halestorm is an American hard rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania. It consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale, her brother Arejay Hale on drums, guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bassist Josh Smith. The band is known for its energetic performances and won a Grammy Award in 2013 for Best Hard Rock/Metal... read more

Lzzy has the best voice of a female metal vocalist I have heard in a long, long time. There's just something about her voice that has this '80s metal feel to it, and that's not a bad thing. She has power and a slight roughness to her voice when she sings songs like "Love Bites" and "I Miss the Misery," and she has a beautiful, echoing, powerful voice on their ballads.
And as I'm sure everyone agrees, she is stunningly gorgeous. I, for one, think Halestorm deserves a much higher spot on this list, and I can't wait for their latest album "Into the Wild" coming this year.

Absolutely amazing band! Lzzy's vocals are just incredible, and I think she definitely proved that to everybody with Love Bites. She has great tone and fantastic belts, and not to forget, she is gorgeous. Just so hot!
I love this band so much and would recommend everybody see them live. They are all full of so much energy on stage and are good at interacting with their audience as well as each other. They all have great personalities, and everything they do is just so real.
The Agonist

The Agonist is a Canadian extreme metal band formed in Montreal, Quebec in 2004. The current members include guitarists Danny Marino and Pascal Jobin, bassist Chris Kells, drummer Simon McKay, and vocalist Vicky Psarakis. Psarakis joined the band in March 2014 after the departure of founding vocalist... read more

I don't generally love metalcore or melodic death metal, but Alissa White-Gluz's balance of fierce growl and beautiful feminine vocal styles really works for me. Her favored topics of animal rights, human emotional experience, and social justice inform her music with metal aggression that, for a change, isn't based on cheesy satanic fantasies or juvenile delusions of power.
The fact that she is highly attractive and brings a modern-looking personal style to the stage doesn't hurt either. It seems that most ladies of metal still think it's the eighties.

The Agonist should be in a genre of their own: sophisticated, opinionated metal. Why? Because that's exactly what they are! The range of emotions and situations conveyed in their lyrics has a far-reaching appeal, and that's why I started listening to them.
Not to mention Alissa White-Gluz's use of astonishingly good clean vocals and harsh, savage unclean vocals. All in all, my favorite band by far!
Flyleaf

Flyleaf is an American rock band formed in Bell County, Texas, in 2002. The band has charted in the mainstream rock, Christian rock, and Christian metal genres.
Lacey Sturm served as the band's lead vocalist from 2002 until her departure in 2012 due to creative differences. Kristen May replaced... read more

Flyleaf has been my favorite band for a very long time. From powerful lyrics (Circle, So I Thought) to intense instrumentals (Breathe Today, Chasm), they cannot be beaten. Plus, a tribute to the Columbine shooting (Cassie) shows real heart.

Check out the acoustic versions too. Fully Alive acoustic is really strong. It was a pity that she did her thing at the apex of their momentum, but you gotta do what you gotta do, I suppose. She has a great, distinct voice with a lot of flexibility.

Lacey Sturm is amazing. The entire band is amazing. Flyleaf deserves much more recognition! Their music is beautifully written and played. This band saved my life. I am sad Lacey left the band, but they have a legacy.

The Newcomers

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Orpharion

Beautiful band from Turkey! Their sound and style are so unique. Check these guys out!
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Exoaura

Love the vocals! What a great twist with non-typical alternative metal and such strong soul. I love all of it! Can't wait to see and hear their progression as well.
I am so blown away! I am already eager to hear more. The vocals are beautiful, the production quality is fantastic, and the message is powerful. I am excited to see what's next from Exoaura.

The Contenders

Kittie

Kittie is a Canadian nu-metal and alternative metal band that was formed in London, Ontario, in 1996. They have released six studio albums, one video album, four extended plays, thirteen singles, and thirteen music videos. The band gained prominence with their debut album Spit, released in 1999.

Kittie is far and away the best all-female metal band in existence. Mercedes Lander is stiff competition for any drummer in the metal industry and, in my opinion, the glue that binds this band together. I don't mean to take away from the rest of the band. They are all extremely talented at what they do. But through all the lineup changes over their career, Mercedes is what keeps me listening and just keeps getting better.
I honestly don't even know how Evanescence got on this list, not to mention the top of it. They aren't a metal band. Maybe there are some hints and nods at metal in their repertoire, but overall, they're just pop/rock. They are a greatly talented band and I love them, but they're not metal.
The Pretty Reckless

The Pretty Reckless is an American rock band from New York City, formed in 2009 by actress and singer Taylor Momsen. The band gained popularity with their debut album Light Me Up and singles like Make Me Wanna Die. Their music blends elements of hard rock, alternative rock, and post-grunge.

They are a consistently high-quality band. They don't have a bad track, and many are absolutely stand-out classics. They can do acoustic and get it just right.
They are amazing live and create creative and exciting videos. With only a couple of albums behind them, I'm sure the best is yet to come. They are going to go from strength to strength, and that will be immense.

Beautiful Taylor, beautiful ivory skin, blonde hair, and awesome dark eyes. What makes The Pretty Reckless absolutely hot is the melody and rhythm tied into cunning lyrics that cause a brief pause. I want my Momsen, awesome band. Rock lives, man.
Babymetal

Babymetal is a Japanese kawaii metal band that blends J-pop and heavy metal. The original lineup featured Suzuka Nakamoto as "Su-metal," Moa Kikuchi as "Moametal," and Yui Mizuno as "Yuimetal." Yui Mizuno left the group in 2018 due to health issues, and in 2023, Momoko Okazaki officially joined the group... read more

The voice of the lead, Su-metal or Suzuka Nakamoto, is strong, powerful, and she uses it with complete control. Her voice has improved over the last couple of years, both because she is getting older and mostly because her confidence seems stronger and stronger.
Apart from the lead singer, the Kami Band is second to none in terms of technical skills. Many of the songs are demanding, but the band nails it every time.
Last but not least are the dancers/choir girls Yui- and Moa-metal, a.k.a. Black Baby Metal. They bring dynamics to the songs in terms of highly choreographed complex dances. By the way, they actually can sing!
Otep

Otep is an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 2000 and led by singer and songwriter Otep Shamaya. The band has released eight studio albums, two EPs, and one live album. Otep was signed to Capitol Records after performing at Ozzfest in 2001, gaining attention for their... read more

I don't know why they're so low on this list. Even though a couple of the band's recent albums were not so good, their older albums like Sevas Tra, House of Secrets, and of course, The Ascension, are really great.
Otep is very raw and powerful as a vocalist, and the rest of the band definitely backs her up very well.

For real, this woman lays down some of the most spine-tingling and bone-smashing yells and growls. She was seriously placed ninth? I understand that Evanescence is a great band as well, but this is a list for the best female-fronted metal bands. Otep is that!
After Forever

How have I just discovered this amazing band 10 years after they split? That's the trouble with the UK music industry, which is totally obsessed with talentless wannabes from The X Factor. The Dutch have produced many good bands that get totally ignored in the UK. I started listening to After Forever when I heard Floor Jansen singing with Nightwish and decided to look up her older stuff. She has an amazing voice and is arguably the best female singer in the world right now. Nightwish is lucky to have such a talented singer.
I wish I had been around to see After Forever live. I can only hope they get back together sometime in the future. It's not just Floor, though. The whole band was just awesome. They have got to be the most underrated band ever.
Leaves' Eyes

Leaves' Eyes is a symphonic metal band with German and Norwegian roots, based in Stavanger, Norway and Ludwigsburg, Germany. The band was formed in 2003 and is known for combining classical female vocals with metal instrumentation and Viking-themed lyrics. It was originally fronted by Liv Kristine and... read more

Yes! Liv Kristine is amazing, in TOT and Leaves' Eyes! Her voice is just poetically beautiful. TOT and Leaves' Eyes. It can't be any greater than them both.

I love Leaves' Eyes. Liv's vocals are beautiful. Very entertaining live band. Viking metal.

The last three albums are classic Viking metal. It just doesn't get any better.
Delain

Great cousin band to Within Temptation, without all the unnecessary pomp and with better, more interpersonal lyrics. Their production is tight, especially on their sophomore album. They are one of the few metal bands that seem to deliver a certain soulful sensibility through their arrangements. Martijn's arrangements recall a lot of Nightwish influence but still retain their own identity and light. They strike a balance between carefully crafted, good symphonic metal and catchy, heavy hooks.
If Charlotte Wessels isn't the new European metal darling, then I don't know who is. They're overlooked a bit because of bands like Epica, but where Epica turns things up too loud, Delain is able to draw it in and craft something a little more delicate and twice as enjoyable without sounding watered down. Imagine if the sound of Evanescence had come from Europe. Well worth a listen!
Amaranthe

Amaranthe is a Swedish heavy metal band notable for having three lead vocalists: Elize Ryd, Joacim Jake E Lundberg, and Henrik Englund Wilhelmsson, each bringing a distinct vocal style. Their second album, The Nexus, reached number 6 on the Swedish Albums Chart, number 4 in Finland, and number 12 on... read more

We all take a stand to support our favorite bands, even though there are too many to choose from. However, if you were to ask me, I'm all in for AMARANTHE. Why? It's not like the other bands you know and have already heard of. It's about how many songs amaze you. Of course, you should all choose wisely and pick what you genuinely think is for you.
Take this for example: Even though the front woman of AMARANTHE isn't that pretty or good-looking, it doesn't matter if you like the songs. The only thing is, don't be fooled by their beauty or styles. What I actually mean is - don't judge a book by its cover! Enough is enough!
Sirenia

Just perfect, with that cruelty in every single word. And albums that are not merely a list of random songs. They're the best band I've ever heard.

Lethargica and Meridian are amazing songs. The new music with the new singer doesn't hold a candle to it, but it's still one of my favorite female vocal bands.

Fascinating! They should be ranked higher with songs like The Other Side, Fallen Angel, or My Mind's Eye.
The Birthday Massacre

The Birthday Massacre is a Canadian dark wave and synth rock band currently consisting of Chibi (vocals), Rainbow (guitar), Falcore (guitar), Owen (keyboard), Rhim (drums), and Nate Manor (bass). The band formed in 1999, although the 2016 demo collection "Imagica" includes tracks that date back to 1998... read more

They are simply one of the best industrial rock bands in the world! I can never understand why they aren't recognized internationally.

This is the best band in the world. They get better with every album. Amazing songwriting, lyrics, and visuals.

Chibi's vocals are unique! The band is amazing, and I'll say it again: the sound they create is unique!
Tristania

Tristania is the best female-fronted metal band, but that was with Vibeke, not with Mariangela. Tristania was the epitome of gothic metal. However, the band just wasn't the same when Morten left, and later Vibeke. Now they're just another band, not to mention Mariangela can't sing.

This should definitely be in the top ten at least! Tristania is an amazing gothic metal band. But I agree, it's not the same without Vibeke. She must return!

Tristania is one of my favorite goth bands ever, with Mortem, Vibeke, and Osten Bergoy providing the best voices. I prefer the first three albums. I love these albums, especially Beyond the Veil, the song A Sequel of Decay, Angellore, and Shining Path.
I miss Vibeke, but Mary is good too. Darkest White is a good album.
Straight Line Stitch

They have done well over the 11 years. They have been on tour and are interesting in their delivery. I haven't seen them, but I've read that they are good live. I think they should be higher than 17th place.

Straight Line Stitch is my all-time favorite for female vocals in any screamo band. I saw them live at Mayhem Fest, and they were so good! They definitely should be higher on the list.

This band should be in the top 10! Alexis is amazing! She's got such a large vocal range, fierce growls and screams, and an angelic voice. Plus, she's different and hot! Definitely should be in the top 10.
Eyes Set to Kill

Absolutely one of my favorite bands of all time. There's no reason they shouldn't be in the top ten. You can't get better harmonies than you can with family members, and the Rodriguez sisters do not disappoint.
I've always loved the contrast of a beautiful clean singing voice accompanied by a screamer. Do yourself a favor if you're not familiar with them and check them out. You will not be disappointed.

Definitely my favorite one by far. I just love the contrast between Cisko's screams (formerly Brandon) and Alexia's soft voice, which carries so much emotion. In addition to this, they are sexy sisters.
Draconian

Draconian is a doom metal band from Säffle, Sweden, formed in 1994. The band is known for combining gothic and melodic elements with traditional doom metal. Over the years, they have released several full-length albums and maintained a strong presence in the underground metal scene.

Draconian is a band fronted by both male and female vocalists. Lisa has one of the most beautiful female voices in metal music. Her ethereal voice, combined with Anders's deep, beautiful growling, creates a great atmosphere.
Draconian is the only metal band whose music brings tears to my eyes.

Best gothic doom band. Masters from Sweden. The divine, gentle voice of Lisa accompanies beautiful, atmospheric music.

The real engine behind the music of Draconian was the emotional singing of Lisa Johansson. When Heike Langhans took her place, she added a different and more powerful tone to the lyrics.
This is a great band with two of the most emotional singers ever. You should vote for them!
Therion

Therion is a Swedish symphonic metal band founded by Christofer Johnsson in 1987. The band's name was inspired by the Celtic Frost album To Mega Therion, which means The Great Beast in Greek. Therion began as a death metal band before evolving into a more symphonic and operatic style.

Lori Lewis is the best voice in the symphonic metal genre. She doesn't need to release a special DVD, like Tarja, to show that she can sing opera or other genres.
Therion was one of the first bands to explore the exquisite combination of symphonic elements with metal. With 25 years of career behind them, they continue to outshine other bands.

The lyrics show a high level of culture and knowledge from the composers, Mr. Johnson and Mr. Karlsson. The vocal techniques they employ are highly advanced. In addition to that, they have adopted a very avant-garde approach to singing. Until 2012, they used two female vocalists and two male vocalists together.
Since 2012, they have used two female vocalists together and one male voice. It's worth highlighting that the male singer, Thomas Vikstrom, and one of the female singers, Mrs. Lori Lewis, are both professional opera singers.