Thrash metal was still in its first wave when Meanstreak formed in New York. The genre had already emerged from the 70s European metal scene, expanding into the U.S. in the early 80s and leading to the formation of the Big Four: Metallica, Slayer, Anthrax, and Megadeth. These bands, in turn, would help spark mainstream success for thrash that lasted into the late 90s.

A simple fact of thrash metal, however, is that it was mostly a male-dominated genre. So when Meanstreak debuted in 1988 after forming three years earlier, they blazed an unexpected trail for women in the thrash metal scene. Not only was Meanstreak female-fronted, but it was also completely female-centric.

Marlene Apuzzo and Rena Sands initially formed the band, adding Bettina France as vocalist and Lisa Pace on bass. Diane

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