Warlock: True as Steel (1986)

In discussing the history of women in heavy metal, a very good starting point would be Doro Pesch.  Sure there had been women in bands that have toed the line between hard rock and heavy metal for years prior to Warlock's arrival on the scene.  But the diminutive singer with the huge pipes was probably the first real big true metal star as a female.  But more than just being a terrific female singer, Doro was a terrific singer, period.  (And no, I do not know why a band with a frontwoman would call themselves Warlock, the name for a male witch.)

Pesch got her start as a member of Warlock, but the band existed in a constant state of flux, with Doro being the only constant member of the band.  After a series of legal issues, eventually the group changed its name to Doro.  It was always basically her band anyway, so why not?  This was the third full-length album by Warlock and they would only release one more before changing the name.

The music is fairly standard 1980's German heavy/speed metal, owing a lot of influence to groups like Scorpions and Accept, with some Judas Priest thrown in for good measure.  Most of the songs are fairly quick-paced with fist-pumping anthemic choruses.  This is an album that is a product of its time and it would fit in well with other 1980's metal acts like W.A.S.P. and Dokken.  So yes, there is a little bit of a mainstream feel to it, and some cheesy moments, such as "Lady in a Rock 'n Roll Hell".

Of course the major reason to check out Warlock is to hear the vocals of Doro Pesch, and she definitely delivers here.  Her voice is very strong on this album, able to deliver snarled lines and then soft melodic lines and change between them quickly.  And her style fits the music quite well.

This is actually the first full-length Warlock album I have picked up.  And also the first album with Doro at all.  I just never really got around to it before, but I have been trying to get some classics occasionally recently and this was on my list.  It may not be the best Warlock album, but it is a damn fine example of 1980's German heavy metal with a true metal legend behind the mic.