Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz wrote for Kerrang! about the space women occupy in metal and defended their continued presence as protagonists in music, not just "muses."
In her text, Alissa addressed issues such as women being recognized solely for their beauty and the sexist stereotype that the female gender is somehow inferior in "intelligence, talent, or skills." Read the full text:
“The beast is feared, beauty is revered. These are two opposite sides of a scale that hangs over a fulcrum of perception; mutually exclusive characteristics – or so we think. The metal world is proving how it’s possible to be both beauty and the beast simultaneously, and I feel honored to be among so many inspiring women in our community.”
“On this International Women’s Day, we are focusing on ending prejudice: crushing the idea that someone’s gender has any correlation with their intelligence, talent, or abilities.”
“We are a communal species, we thrive in herds, our sight is our primary sense, so it’s no surprise that we judge others – consciously or not – based on their outward appearance. Women have been the muses of many artists for a long time, but we are artists too. Women often define cultural beauty, but we are also ambassadors of culture.”
“We all know powerful, compassionate, intelligent, funny, and experienced women who deserve special recognition today, so let’s celebrate this breaking of the glass ceiling and a future of equal opportunities where a person is defined by who they are and not by the social label they fall into.”
"Hats down and horns up, all of you!"
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