Historically, Heavy Metal has been a genre of music that has often been dominated by men. A reality that dates back decades, chances are if you look at most Heavy Metal bands of the ‘80s, matched with the attendees at their concerts, it was by and large mostly dudes. Difficult to honestly determine if it ever was ever a lack of inclusion, or simply what happened naturally at the time, fortunately there were ladies in Metal who have forged a path in the past, creating a more balanced present-day scene. Looking at these pioneers, Girlschool made their mark on the NWOBHM movement, Doro Pesch made waves with Warlock, Lita Ford blazed a path outside The Runaways, and Vixen broke into mainstream Metal in the ‘80s. All very important contributors, there were also a group of ladies calling themselves Meanstreak.
Meanstreak, out of New York, have origins which date all the way back to 1985, and some may argue were one of the first-ever all female Thrash Metal bands. A fact that few may be aware of, Meanstreak were initially signed on with now defunct, but famous Metal label, Mercenary Records (which put out albums from the likes of Sacred Oath and Victory). That in mind, Meanstreak emerged to a worldwide audience in 1988 with their debut album Roadkill; one that is perhaps lost in the sands of musical time, but a gem worth seeking out. An album full of fury, great guitar work, and soaring vocals, for whatever reason, Meanstreak never released another full-length record. Not entirely fading away, the band carried on through the early ’90s, even recording some demos, but nothing else ever got off the ground.
At this point, you would probably look at them as a footnote in Heavy Metal archives, but amazingly nearly three decades after shelving the project, Meanstreak plotted a reunion in 2022. A bit of surprise, founding Guitarists Marlene Portnoy (formerly Marlene Apuzzo prior to marrying Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy) and Rena Sands Petrucci (wife of Dream Theater’s John Petrucci) reunited with original Vocalist Bettina France, while bringing also bringing back Bassist Lisa Martens Pace and Drummer Yael Devan to the mix. Together again, they went out on tour supporting John Petrucci’s solo tour in 2023, but now put an explanation point on their comeback with new music in 2024.
Another unexpected wrinkle in this story, the band gathered in the studio to revisit some of their ‘90s demos. Dusting them off, re-recording them, the songs had new life, and now arrive as part of a proper EP they are calling Blood Moon. Released on February 2, 2024, the EP is available through Step Off Records (distributed through ONErpm) and is complete with four songs in total.
As mentioned, the new EP does in fact feature some older demos; which would be 1989’s “Giant Speaks” and “Rubberneck,” but also 1992’s “The Dark Gift.” Joining them is the newer song “Oh Father,” making for a nicely packaged set. In-all, each song sounds fresh, sharp, and full of energy. Featuring a classic Heavy Metal sound, the mix is done with care where it is dynamic, yet modern enough to perhaps even attract new listeners.
Overall, Meanstreak is back with a purpose. Rekindling the chemistry they had nearly thirty years earlier, the members are playing with passion, but all while putting out fantastic performances. This includes the guitar work of Portnoy and Petrucci, rich vocals of France, matched with a tight rhythm section thanks to Pace and Devan. For real Heavy Metal lovers, hopefully Meanstreak has more music coming down the pike sooner than later. Until then, Cryptic Rock gives Blood Moon 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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