Photo: Spiritbox live [@bookings_always_closed]
It’s International Women’s Day, and we’re dedicating this article to the powerful presence of women in the world of metal. This list highlights some of the strongest albums shaped by women in the scene. From progressive metal to melodic death metal, these releases showcase just how diverse, powerful, and inspiring female voices are in heavy music. They’re the perfect soundtrack to celebrate International Women’s Day and to show support for women in the metal community.
Spiritbox – Tsunami Sea (2025)
The powerful second studio album by Spiritbox unleashes an emotional wave of progressive metal, modern influences, and atmospheric soundscapes. With Courtney LaPlante’s multifaceted vocals and catchy melodies, Tsunami Sea explores themes of personal resilience and inner strength. It’s a fitting soundtrack for anyone fighting through difficult times and coming out stronger on the other side.
Arch Enemy – Blood Dynasty (2025)
Blood Dynasty marks the final Arch Enemy album featuring vocalist Alissa White-Gluz. The first single with the band’s new lineup and vocalist Lauren Hart has already been released, but the current album itself hasn’t even been out for a full year yet. This makes it the perfect moment to acknowledge the legacy of the Alissa White-Gluz era. For over a decade, from 2014 to 2025, she stood at the microphone for Arch Enemy, shaping songs and entire albums while captivating audiences around the world.
Halestorm – Everest (2025)
Released in August last year, Everest is already the sixth studio album by the American band led by founding member and vocalist Lzzy Hale. Over the years, Hale has become a huge inspiration within the metal scene and often speaks openly about her experiences in the music industry. This new album marks yet another milestone in Halestorm’s journey.
Poppy – Empty Hands (2026)
Freshly released: Empty Hands, the new album by Poppy, who continues to push further into the metal and core community with each release. Her discography is anything but predictable — quite the opposite. As an artist, Poppy always follows her creative instincts, constantly experimenting and delivering one adventurous album after another.
Empty Hands is her latest project, following collaborations and live performances with bands like Bad Omens and Knocked Loose. She also recently released the song “End of You” together with Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox and Amy Lee of Evanescence.
Jinjer – Duél (2025)
With Duél, the Ukrainian band Jinjer has once again delivered a grounded yet powerful record to the modern metal scene. The album blends groove metal, progressive elements, and metalcore influences, carried by the impressive vocal performance of Tatiana Shmayluk. Both lyrically and musically, the new release feels deeply powerful and intense — in some moments even heavier and more forceful than its predecessors.
