Meanstreak

Meanstreak is an American all-female heavy metal band from the United States, formed in 1985. The group begins in Westchester, New York, and develops from an early hard rock direction into a more aggressive heavy metal and thrash metal sound.

Line-up

The band forms around guitarists Marlene Apuzzo and Rena Sands. Bettina France joins on vocals, Diane Keyser becomes the permanent drummer, and Lisa Martens Pace takes the bass role after several earlier players pass through the line-up. Later, Yael Devan joins on drums, and the group also includes Marlene Portnoy, Rena Petrucci, Rena Sands, Lisa Martens Pace, Diane Keyser and Bettina France across different periods of its history.

Recording history

Meanstreak records one full-length album, Roadkill, which appears on Mercenary Records in 1988. The album is produced by Alex Perillas and combines thrash metal with traditional heavy metal. After the album, the band parts ways with Mercenary Records.

The group later works on a second album, The Other Side, in 1989, but it does not appear as a full-length release. Instead, a four-song demo circulates, including tracks such as “Giant Speaks” and “Rubberneck”. In 1992, the band releases another demo, The Dark Gift. This recording shows a more melodic heavy metal approach and is produced by Dream Theater’s Mike Portnoy.

Live activity and reputation

Meanstreak builds its reputation through live shows and support slots with bands including Manowar, Overkill, Motörhead, Anthrax and Dream Theater. The group is notable as one of the first all-female thrash metal bands in the United States, and it gains a strong following among thrash metal fans.

Later activity

The band reunites and tours in 2022. It later releases the EP Blood Moon, which includes re-recorded versions of earlier demo material and a new song.