MEANSTREAK Feat. DREAM THEATER Members' Wives: 'The Dark Gift' Lyric Video

The reunited all-female band MEANSTREAK — comprised of guitarists Marlene Portnoy (wife of DREAM THEATER drummer Mike Portnoy) and Rena Sands Petrucci (wife of DREAM THEATER guitarist John Petrucci),vocalist Bettina France, bassist Martens Myung (wife of DREAM THEATER bassist John Myung) and drummer Yael Rallis — has just released a new EP, "Blood Moon", via Step Off Records distributed through ONErpm. The official lyric video for the EP's second single, "The Dark Gift", can be seen below.

MEANSTREAK is an all-female metal band from New York, formed in 1985 by Marlene and Rena, who, along with bandmates Bettina, Martens and Yael, forged their way into male-dominated territory, becoming one of the first all-female thrash metal bands. With influences such as IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST and METALLICA, they were true pioneers for women in metal and recorded an album with legendary producer Alex Perialas (TESTAMENT, OVERKILL, FLOTSAM AND JETSAM, NUCLEAR ASSAULT, S.O.D., M.O.D., CARNIVORE) at Pyramid Sound in Ithaca, New York.

MEANSTREAK's 1988 release, "Roadkill", put them on the metal charts and landed them spots as the supporting act to nationally touring bands such as OVERKILL, MANOWAR, ANTHRAX, MOTÖRHEAD and others. They headlined shows at legendary clubs such as L'Amour, Cat Club, Limelight, CBGB and China Club in New York City, as well as many other famed venues. They disbanded in the early 1990s and recently reunited, bringing back their hard-hitting, melodic, heavy metal blend to the studio and stage. In the fall of 2022, MEANSTREAK concluded a U.S. tour in support of John Petrucci's successful solo tour and reunion with Mike Portnoy.

Marlene says: "The MEANSTREAK reunion has been nothing short of incredible!! It's been almost 30 years and once we were together, it felt like not a day had passed. Making music with these talented ladies has been the highlight of my life and I'm so excited to see what the future holds for all of us."

Rena adds: "We realized this MEANSTREAK reunion had to happen when we had a Zoom party during the pandemic. We weren't sure if it would go over after 28 years apart but during a two-month U.S. tour, the crowds were overwhelmingly supportive and gave us the strength and determination to finish our 'Blood Moon' EP and continue our never-ending journey. We can't wait to get on the road again and share our new material with our amazing fans!!!"

Says Bettina: "MEANSTREAK as a band is kind of a Gestalt philosophy. I mean, MEANSTREAK has lasted so long because we all perceive ourselves as one sound. The five of us are the sum of its parts. That is, we all bring different attributes that are uniquely ourselves but playing together as a band makes us the one. No one else sounds like us when we are all together. I am she as you are he as you are me — 'Goo goo g'joob'."

Yael says: "I always thought we had something unique and special. The chemistry and energy is undeniable to witness between the band on and off stage with all the shows and road stories of metal under our belts…We laugh…a lot ! The music! It all comes right back. (So many reunions of bands we align with since Covid hit.) Our two-month tour of USA and Canada proved metal horns and fists in the air are alive and well. Our first international appearance and a blast! Would love to get across the big pond, hit Japan, Australia, U.K., Europe with my MEANSTREAK girls. Hell — let's open for MAIDEN, KING DIAMOND, ANTHRAX and DREAM THEATER all over again! Passports Ready LFG!"

Martens states: "MEANSTREAK musically is heavy, melodic, and fun, like hanging out with your besties head banging, singing, and screaming at the top of your lungs on your way to a great concert. So proud of our new music and can't wait for the world to hear!!!"

MEANSTREAK is:

Bettina France - Vocals
Martens Myung - Bass
Yael Rallis - Drums
Marlene Portnoy - Guitar
Rena Sands Petrucci - Guitar

Photo credit: Marissa Ann (courtesy of Adrenaline PR)