Femme Metal

rather like the term ‘Femme Metal’ and a webzine with this name is doing a great job :: you can check them here: FemmeMetal

they also have good reviews, good band lists, and links to great forums :: don’t know why i haven’t seen their sites before

Xandria

perhaps in contrast to Within Temptation, the music of Xandria could be called closer to gothic – until the soaring female vocals, especially on the chorus of many songs, raises the bar and puts them firmly into symphonic metal.

however still love the guitars rocking out and the pace and energy of a great altho perhaps under-recognised band.