Astarte

Astarte was a pioneering all-female black metal band from Greece, active primarily in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Formed in Athens in 1995 originally under the name Lloth, they later changed their name to Astarte, taking inspiration from the ancient goddess associated with war and sexuality. Known for their dark, atmospheric sound and powerful presence in the extreme metal scene, Astarte blended traditional black metal elements with symphonic and melodic influences.

Led by frontwoman Maria "Tristessa" Kolokouri, who was a multi-instrumentalist and the band's primary creative force, Astarte released several critically recognized albums, including Doomed Dark Years, Demonized, and Quod Superius Sicut Inferius. The band also collaborated with members of other prominent metal acts like Mayhem and Rotting Christ. Tragically, Tristessa passed away in 2014 after a battle with leukemia, which marked the end of Astarte's journey, though their influence continues to resonate within the black metal community.