For this edition, we’re sitting down with Leen, a 27-year-old UK-based PA, signed model, studio co-founder, and dedicated metalhead. From discovering heavy music through Kerrang! as a teen, to catching Gojira live and walking away with Mario Duplantier’s drumstick, her story reflects a deep and evolving connection to the scene.

With a love for atmospheric black metal, melodeath, and symphonic sounds, Leen shares her path into the genre, and the bands that continue to inspire her. Here’s what Leen had to say:

Can you introduce yourself to The Citadel?

My name is Shirleen but I prefer to be called Leen now. I am a 27-year old UK based PA to a CEO, signed model, studio co-founder, and of course - a metalhead.

How did Metal get a grasp of your soul?

I first got into the scene because I stumbled upon Kerrang! on TV as a young teen and liked what I heard and saw, and as I got older my taste gradually refined from emo/rock to metal.

A decade later and I’m now an avid metalhead with a particular preference for atmospheric / symphonic / melodeath, and black metal.

Was there a particular band, album, or concert that set your interest aflame?

My best friend played Gojira's magma album to me once when we were studying in university and I loved everything I was hearing far too much. Naturally, I fell deeper in love with the scene ever since then. A few years later, I then went to see them in concert, had THE best time ever and also walked out with a guitar pick for myself and Mario Duplantier’s drum stick for my best friend.

Can you describe your first live metal show experience?

I was a late gig bloomer and my first concert was in my early twenties! My first ever rock concert was BMTH and Oli gifted me some tickets (as I had modelled for Drop Dead previously) which was surreal - made more so incredible because they were the first band I heard on Kerrang! at like 13 years old, so the universe sent me full circle with that.

Though for my first metal gig, I went to see Mayhem in Manchester, UK (2022) with my best friend and it was such an unreal show - I loved every second of it and the crowd’s atmosphere just topped it off!

They were supported by Barshasketh who were so good live also and Mortiis - whose set was insane, I was in awe of the whole night to be honest. And the best part is that I got super lucky with where I was standing near the stage and Necrobutcher handed me his guitar pick!

What are some of your current favourite bands or artists?

My current favourites are Enisum, Insomnium, Elderwind, Dark Tranquility, Opeth, Blut Aus Nord, Gojira, Unreqvited, AFSKY, Agalloch, Crowbar (so good live also), Enshine, Septicflesh, Shade Empire, Be'lakor - there’s just too many to love tbh!

Are there any underrated or lesser-known bands you think people should check out?

Too many! I’m currently obsessed with Unverkalt (a post-metal band), listening to their song ‘Loathe & Love’ has me literally ascending but the whole album is ace from start to finish. I also really like Bloodbark (atmospheric black metal) especially the song ‘Eyeless winter’ though I think it’s currently down off both Apple Music or Spotify but you can give it a listen on YouTube.
Some other underrated bangers:

‘The Blending’ by Fair of the Forgotten
‘Stay’ by Jord
‘Retten Til Resterne’ by Morild
‘Dual Existence’ by Enshine
‘Fading Light’ By Sidus Atrum

Do you have a favourite metal subgenre, and why?

It’s got to be atmospheric black metal for me - I personally feel like this genre is just art in audio form, and for a vampire like myself it’s the perfect soundtrack to my life.

My boyfriend also knows that if he shows me an atmospheric black metal song, there’s a 9/10 chance it’ll resonate with me and it’s getting added to my playlist. That said though, I can appreciate most forms of metal and would go to a range of gigs as I think they’re all fun. Besides the likes of NSBM gigs or bands - my support and enjoyment draws a line there.

What's your favourite piece of metal merch?

Probably my Gojira top just because it remains one of my favourite gifts ever, from one of my favourite persons.

What’s your experience being part of the metal community?

Being part of the metal community, in my eyes, is freeing - there tends to be a lack of judgement to my style/outfits etc, and a lack of negativity and bullshit etc. I’ve never encountered any hate, racism, or inconveniences from this community - personally, I've always felt welcomed. If anything there’s only ever slight annoyances from people outside the community having an expectation of what a typical “metalhead” looks like and I’m a little far from the picture they want to paint. That being said, I’m not ignorant and I do recognise there are extremes to the scene, of which I would hardly be welcomed, but as mentioned before it’s not my cup of tea either so there are no tears shed over it.

Have you noticed any challenges or barriers for women or POC in metal?

There are definitely challenges and there will always be some set preconceptions of what mould someone should fit, and what box to be contained within. Challenges/barriers aren’t stop signs though - one can simply choose to break it.

If you could see any band, past or present, live in concert, who would it be?

Such a tough question to answer, but I think I’d love to see Darkthrone perform ‘Transilvanian Hunger’ live.

You’re stranded on a desert island and can bring two bands or musicians, who do you pick?

Elderwind because the island should be muse enough to create a masterpiece, and Gutalax to attract any wild boars for dinner lol.

What’s a guilty pleasure band or song that you secretly love?

‘A Nova Vida’ from the twilight soundtrack.

Outside of metal, what other hobbies or passions do you have?

I love my cat, watching horror movies and/or anime, reading books, or sitting in nature (especially by bodies of water). I also have recently teamed up to open up a content/creative studio in my city so I’m hoping to become even more creative myself through it - perhaps I’ll narrate an audiobook or kickstart my cosplaying again!

All Hails, Leen!