International Women’s Day is obviously a special occasion to celebrate strong, intelligent, beautiful, and independent women. It is also a good day to recognize the talents of the ladies of heavy metal. I have always been a strong supporter of women who want to be in rock and metal bands in any capacity. Whether it’s as a singer, guitarist, drummer, bassist, keyboardist, or even dancer, if they have the goods and skills to show the world what they are made of in this genre, then I say let the girls play. One subgenre of metal I always thought was perfect for the ladies is symphonic metal. With looks that kill and voices that would echo in the Halls of Valhalla, I really enjoy listening to symphonic metal. I could not think of a better way for Rabit and me to celebrate International Women’s Day than heading to the Whisky a Go-Go in Hollywood and seeing Delain, Xandria, and Edge of Paradise. All female-fronted, all powerful, and all that alluring.

Edge of Paradise kicked off this female-led holiday show. Hard to imagine that it has been 10 years since I started following them. They have certainly come a long way since then, artistically as well as commercially. Riding high with their latest release, Prophecy, Edge of Paradise went sci-fi with their symphonic licks. Frontwoman Margarita Monet is still mesmerizing to witness. She is the rare breed of singers that is both beauty and energy with her enchanting falsetto voice. Her longtime partner and lead guitarist Dave Bates brings the "wow" factor with his tapping and licks on his green neon weapon of music. This was the first time seeing new rhythm guitarist Doug Weiand, and he is a conqueror of those bombastic riffs. During “Falling Light,” he whipped out a sensational solo that would rival Amaranthe's Olof Mörck. Drummer Jamie Moreno is a beast on the kit, while bassist Kenny Woodward thunders away at the beats. From “Prophecy Undone” to “The Other Side of Fear,” “Hologram,” “Death Note,” “Give It to Me (Mind Assassin),” “Digital Paradise,” and “Falling Light,” the Whisky crowd had entered Paradise. The horizon continues to look beautiful for Edge of Paradise, and I'm heading there with them.

Now it was time for some German-flavored symphonic metal with Xandria. It has been years since they got my attention with 2017's Theater of Dimensions, and now they returned with a new lineup and their newest record, 2023's The Wonders Still Awaiting. Starting their set with “You Will Never Be Our God,” Xandria immediately pulled me in thanks to the operatic style voice of Ambre Vourvahis. This frontwoman is the total package, and she breathes new life into these symphonic warriors. Founder and rhythm player Marco Heubaum leads the charge with his heavenly playing technique. Lead guitarist Rob Klawonn is like lightning, agile and versatile with his solos that give the band's sound a big boost. Drummer Dimitrios Gatsios is a steady force that crushes the music with melodic purpose. Notably absent was bassist Tim Schwarz, but that did not stop Xandria from blowing the roof off the Whisky. Along with “Reborn,” “Universal,” “Two Worlds,” “Live the Tale,” and the classic “Nightfall,” we all felt their awesome power. The song that did it for me, though, was “200 Years” because it had this Irish jig vibe that resonated with me. Xandria was everything I thought they would be live and more. This will not be my last time seeing this German spectacle.

Now comes the main attraction of the evening, the Netherlands' own Delain. This Dutch symphonic machine brought an epic stage presence to the Whisky. Vocalist Diana Leah has a voice that soars into the clouds, slaying the lyrics with alluring grace. Since taking over for Charlotte Wessels in 2022, Leah is carving her own legacy in Delain. Founder and keyboardist Martijn Westerholt is a maestro, blending symphony and destruction together in a harmonious nature. Bassist Ludovico Cioffi mud-stomps the hell out of the bass riffs, showing absolutely no mercy. He also shows off his harsh voice that has a vicious bite. Guitarist Ronald Landa plays big with his riffs yet contains himself enough to allow his licks to be heard without too much soloing. Drummer Sander Zoer was laser-focused on his technique and dropped the hammer to give us pulse-pounding beats. Armed with smoke machines, Delain felt far grander that night. The tunes they gave the loyal LA metalheads were both sinister and delightful. From “The Cold” to “Suckerpunch,” “The Reaping,” “Burning Bridges,” “Creatures,” “Here Come the Vultures,” “Dance With the Devil,” “Stardust,” “The Tragedy of the Commons,” “Get the Devil Out of Me,” “Your Body is a Battleground,” “The Gathering,” “Don’t Let Go,” “Moth to a Flame,” “April Rain,” “Not Enough,” and “We Are the Others,” Delain owned the night. Not only that, but they also owned our hearts.

This was a great night to celebrate International Women’s Day. The Whisky ascended above the clouds to reach Heaven thanks to the fantastic singing by these incredible frontwomen. Like the mighty Valkyrie, Margarita, Ambre, and Diana came to Hollywood ready to fight, and not only that, but they also conquered the night. Until the next showcase at the Whisky, I leave feeling euphoric. To Delain, Xandria, and Edge of Paradise, I salute you. Horns up!!!

Photos by Matt 'Rabit' Martinez