First Headliners for Metal Female Voices Fest Announced

Belgian festival Metal Female Voices Fest celebrated a successful 10 year anniversary in 2012 and after some delays in setting a date, they are now returning for their 11th festival. The first names to be announced are:

Imperia (Netherlands)

Imperia vocalist Helena Iren Michaelsen was the original singer for Epica (then known as Sahara Dust) before Simone Simons was recruited. They play symphonic metal and are soon to release a digital-only best of compilation entitled "Queen of Passion".

Anneke Van Giersbergen (Netherlands)

 Anneke Van Giersbergen is known for her alt rock solo career, as well as being part of The Gathering and recording with the Devin Townsend Project. She has toured with Within Temptation and famously performed a duet of "Somewhere" with Sharon at their Black Symphony concert.

Stream of Passion (Netherlands/Mexico)

Stream of Passion are a progressive/symphonic metal band, founded by Ayreon maestro Arjen Anthony Lucassen. He then left the band (as planned) in the capable hands of Mexican singer Marcela Bovio. The band has released three albums and is set to release their fourth soon. They recently toured the UK with Epica.

Visions of Atlantis (Austria/Greece)

Visions of Atlantis are a symphonic power metal band, inspired by the likes of Nightwish. They have had five different vocalists to date, including the late Nicole Bogner who was a founding member. Current singer Maxi Nil joined in 2009 and sang on the album Delta. Their next album, Ethera, is due this year.

Serenity (Austria/France)

This year will be Serenity's first MFVF due to the new addition of previous guest singer Clémentine Delauney to the line-up. The band play symphonic power metal and have previously performed with Charlotte Wessels, Amanda Somerville and Lisa Middelhauve.

Tarja (Finland)

Former Nightwish singer Tarja Turunen will be bringing her solo show to MFVF this year for her only festival performance. Tarja recently became a mother with her husband Marcelo and will be releasing a new album this year.

MFVF takes place on the 18th, 19th and 20th of October 2013.

http://www.metalfemalevoicesfest.be/