Hellion

Hellion occupies a unique historical position as one of the first female-fronted heavy metal bands to emerge from the 1980s Los Angeles scene without leaning into the 'glam' or 'hair metal' tropes of the Sunset Strip. Formed in 1982, the band was led by Ann Boleyn, who also founded New Renaissance Records, a pivotal label for underground metal.

Their sound is characterized by a fusion of traditional heavy metal, speed metal, and early power metal, often compared to acts like Chastain or Vicious Rumors. A defining element of their early career was their association with Ronnie James Dio, who mentored and produced the band, helping them refine their occult-influenced storytelling into a more professional, radio-capable format. Despite numerous lineup changes, the band maintained a cult following in Europe and Japan, largely due to their inclusion in influential UK magazines like Kerrang!. A. peers.