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Artist
Phantom Blue
12+ albums
heavy metalhard rockGlam MetalFemale fronted metalfemale vocalists
about
Phantom Blue was an American heavy metal band from Los Angeles, California, founded in 1987 by guitarists Michelle Meldrum and Nicole Couch. Drawing on their studies under acclaimed guitarists Paul Gilbert and Bruce Bouillet of Racer X, Meldrum and Couch joined forces with drummer Linda McDonald—whom Meldrum had previously worked with—and vocalist Gigi Hangach. Their original bassist, Debra Armstrong, joined at formation but departed in June 1988, shortly before the band’s signing with Mike Varney’s Shrapnel Records, making them the label’s first (and only) female act, a milestone achieved mere months after the band’s inception. With Armstrong’s replacement by Kim Nielsen, who studied under Juan Alderete, Phantom Blue moved forward into the studio. In 1989 they released their self-titled debut album, produced by Steve Fontano with guest contributions from Marty Friedman (then of Megadeth), including a co-write on one track by Friedman alongside Couch and Meldrum. Their single “Why Call It Love?” was accompanied by a music video and supported by a European tour backed by Roadrunner Records, who facilitated European distribution. Returning to the U.S., the band caught the attention of Don Dokken, leading to interest from several major labels. Ultimately, they signed with Geffen Records, releasing their second full-length album, Built to Perform, in 1993. Leading up to recording, Nicole Couch exited the band; Meldrum completed all guitar work, and newcomer Karen Kreutzer fille
