Austrian hard rockers Vulvarine recently unleashed their new album, Fast Lane, on March 28 via Napalm Records. Blending classic heavy metal with elements of glam, punk, and blues, the band proudly defines their sound as “vulvarock.” To keep the celebration of Fast Lane going, Vulvarine have teamed up with Metal Insider to share their top 5 favorite female bands in metal and hard rock, highlighting the women who have shaped them into the artists they are today.
The Donnas
The Donnas had a huge impact on me growing up in the ‘90s and 2000s. No other band embodied that perfect mix of “I don’t give a damn” attitude while maintaining a playful, girly energy in their songwriting. With each album, they evolved both musically and lyrically, constantly pushing boundaries. They transformed from a raw, Ramones-inspired punk rock band into a high-energy glam rock powerhouse.
Girlschool
They’re raw, loud, and full of power.
Thundermother
Sharing the stage with them every night during the Dirty & Divine tour in spring 2025 and getting to know them in the day-to-day tourlife has been an honor and an inspiration. The work they put into the band and the level of their professionalism are door openers to success. They show the world that it pays off if you stick to the plan, stay true to yourself and don’t give a sh*t about what others tell you you can, could or shouldn’t do.
The Runaways
The Runaways were revolutionary in the ’70s, proving that teenage girls could rock just as hard as the boys. With their rebellious spirit, gritty sound, and raw energy, they broke barriers in a male-dominated industry. Joan Jett, Lita Ford, and Cherie Currie became icons of female empowerment, inspiring future generations of women to pick up guitars and defy expectations. Despite facing industry skepticism and exploitation, they refused to back down, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the first all-female rock bands to make a real impact.
Heart
led by Ann and Nancy Wilson, redefined what women could achieve in rock music. With Ann’s powerhouse vocals and Nancy’s masterful guitar work, they seamlessly blended hard rock with folk and blues influences, creating a sound that was both fierce and melodic. In an era when female musicians were often relegated to pop or soft rock, Heart proved that women could lead a rock band and dominate the charts. Their success inspired countless female artists to take charge of their musical careers with confidence and authenticity.
Check out Vulvarine’s latest singles below:
Feature Image Photo Credit: Mark Morgan
