LADY BEAST: Fire, Rebellion, and Alchemy: Transforming Metal and the World

Heavy metal has always been a battle cry for the outsiders, but for Deb of Lady Beast, it’s also a tool for empowerment, resistance, and transformation. In this interview, we dive deep into the themes of personal alchemy, political unrest, spirituality, and the fight for inclusivity in the metal scene. From calling out injustice without fear to embracing ancient wisdom in modern struggles, Deb proves that heavy metal isn’t just about riffs and solos—it’s about using music as a force for change.

Hi, first off thanks for answering our questions. How’s everything going in the lair of Lady Beast?

Deb: Thank you for asking! We are always honored and excited when people want to know more about us and what we are doing! It’s going great over here. We are currently riding the high of releasing a new full-length album called The Inner Alchemist on Dying Victims Productions. It’s our seventh release, fourth full-length, and we are beyond stoked for folks to hear it! We’re also planning out the year’s shows and obligations, and as always, having a great time doing that. So in short—staying busy, focused, and looking forward to the album release!

In The Inner Alchemist, you explore the concept of personal transformation and self-mastery. In a world that often seems defined by external forces, how do you define true empowerment, and how can we alchemize our personal struggles into something positive in today’s chaotic political climate?

Deb: At the end of the day, we can only be in control of our own thoughts and actions. But what if you put so much intention and energy into those actions that they became something bigger? Our words, our actions, and sometimes just our presence can be so powerful that they create change for us and the world around us. I take every opportunity on stage to encourage fans to make a difference in themselves and their communities. Sometimes when people see someone they respect doing good, it inspires them to do the same, and the cycle continues. You never know what someone is going through, but you can lift them up, be a voice for them when they have no platform, and simply be a good person.

«Through The Eyes of War» feels like a commentary on the cycles of violence and conflict that seem endless. How do you see the role of music in addressing the current political unrest in the U.S.? Can heavy metal be a tool for social change?

Deb: A lot of bands love to say, “I keep politics out of my music.” Not me. I think it’s important to use my platform to share insight and perspective. It was impossible to ignore the genocide happening all over the world—and if you could, it’s because you were looking away. Through The Eyes of War was my reaction to witnessing daily murder and destruction. Unfortunately, this is not the first time history has repeated itself. Music can be an escape from the horrors of the world, but it can also bring them to light.

The theme of «Oracle’s Omen» speaks to prophecy and foretelling the future. Given the current state of the world—especially in terms of environmental destruction and political division—what do you think the “oracle” might say about humanity’s next steps?

Deb: That’s a hard one!! I wish I knew, but very few people can actually predict the future. What we can do is be intentional with our actions to help shape what’s coming. That’s why I love tarot and other forms of divination—they don’t tell you exactly what will happen, but they guide you and suggest possible paths. At the end of the day, it’s up to us to make decisions and adapt. Some things are just out of our control, and sometimes we’re just in the backseat trying to understand what’s happening! The Oracle’s Omen is a reminder that truth can cut like a knife. Don’t be afraid of past mistakes or of confronting your shadows—growth and change will save us.

Your lyrics often touch on deep spiritual and mystical ideas, like in «Inner Alchemist.» In an era where spirituality is being commodified, how do you stay authentic in your artistic expression and maintain your own sense of purpose?

Deb: I try not to pay attention to things I don’t like or that don’t resonate with me. If something feels inauthentic, I ignore it—because frustration is a distraction. (And trust me, it took me a long time and a lot of freakouts to figure that out.) I like who I am, I like what I do, and I like how it makes me feel. That’s what matters. Purpose takes time to understand, and sometimes we never fully grasp it. But I know mine: I’m a healer. I heal through my music, through herbalism, through listening and understanding. It took me 35 years to realize that.

Your music has always had an undercurrent of rebellion and fighting against the system. In 2025, what are the biggest “monsters” or systems that you feel need to be torn down, and how do you envision a better world?

Deb: Oh man, this question is too big! Too many names to name… But at the core, people need to learn to care about each other more. So many of our problems come from rich people wanting to be richer and from people blaming others just for being different. We need to see each other as equals. Until that happens, I don’t see things getting better.

Heavy metal has traditionally been a form of rebellion and catharsis. In today’s politically polarized society, how do you balance that rebellious spirit with the need for unity and healing within your community?

Deb: It’s hard. There are, unfortunately, people in the heavy metal scene who are hateful, bigoted, racist, and dangerous. We may never completely eradicate these scum, but we can call them out, boycott their platforms, and make our values clear. A lot of bands stay silent because they’re afraid of losing fans. Not me. My music isn’t for those people, and if they unfollow us, they’re doing me a favor. Now more than ever, we need to take a stand, show up for the communities that need support, and make sure our shows are safe spaces. I’ve always been a fighter for justice and equality, and I don’t plan on stopping.

In a world filled with uncertainty and division, how do you see the role of music—especially heavy metal—in uniting people? What do you hope listeners take away from The Inner Alchemist, both musically and ideologically?

Deb: Everyone’s journey is different. That’s why it’s so important to shift our perspectives and put ourselves in others’ shoes. When we confront our own fears and shadows, we come out the other side with a better understanding of ourselves—and that makes us more empathetic. I take reaching thousands of people seriously, and my lyrics are my platform. I want them to inspire hope, reality, magic, and community. The Inner Alchemist is about transformation, about realizing that we do have power. In our song Starborn, the lyrics say: “From the stars we are born, and to the stars we return.” We’re all made of the same cosmic dust. We focus so much on how we’re different that we forget we’re the same.

And before we wrap up, what’s next for Lady Beast?

Deb: The world feels unpredictable right now—not for Lady Beast, but in general. So we’re focusing on what’s in our control: promoting the new album, playing shows, and enjoying making music together. We’re beyond grateful to be heading back to Europe this fall to play Keep It True Rising and to be part of Stormbringer Festival in New England. Catch us on the road—and please support The Inner Alchemist!

That’s all from us. Thanks again for your time! Any final words?

Deb: Just a huge thank you to Queens of Steel for always supporting us and for being a voice for the warrior women of heavy metal. Keep fighting the good fight, and always remember: Stay metal. Stay true. But most importantly—BE YOU!