Meanstreak | |
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Origin | Westchester, New York, United States |
Genres | Heavy metal, thrash metal, power metal |
Years active | 1985 | –1994 , 2023 –present
Labels | Mercenary Records [1] |
Members | Bettina France Rena Sands Yael Rallis |
Past members | Marlene Apuzzo Portnoy Lisa Martens Pace Charisse Texeira Diane Keyser |
Meanstreak is an American all-female thrash metal band from Rockland, New York, United States. According to Spirit of Metal, Meanstreak was one of the first all-female thrash metal bands in history. [2]
The band was founded by guitarists Marlene Apuzzo and Rena Sands. Bettina France joined as singer, Lisa Pace played bass guitar, and Diane Keyser was on drums. [3] Keyser left the band shortly after Roadkill was recorded, and was replaced by Yael, who later went on to join My Ruin. Rena Sands, Lisa Pace and Marlene Apuzzo all married present members of the band Dream Theater. Sands, Pace and Apuzzo respectively wed guitarist John Petrucci, bassist John Myung and drummer Mike Portnoy. [4]
Meanstreak (Marlene, Rena, Bettina, & Yael) reunited in 2023 and was the sole opening act for John Petrucci's first-ever solo multi-gig tour which included Dave LaRue on bass and Mike Portnoy on drums. Meanstreak was also planning on hitting the studio and re-recording songs from their 90’s demos as well as some new material according to their Facebook announcement.
On January 19, the band announced they were releasing a new EP, Blood Moon, on February 2. [5]
On September 1st, 2024 Marlene Apuzzo Portnoy announced she was leaving the band and Martens Myung followed suit after playing a live show at the legendary Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles. The band continues to tour with original members Bettina France on vocals, Yael Rallis on drums and Rena Sands Petrucci on guitar along with guest musicians and are currently writing their next release which will be released in late 2025.