When one mentions rock music, it's all too easy to imagine a group of hulking muscular men, cradling guitars, spinning drum sticks and grunting their way through the lyrics. But women have been proving that they can rock out just as well as men. Here are some current female rock vocalists who are out there right now ensuring that we won't forget their names in a hurry.

Distinctive is the word when it comes to female vocalists and Taylor Momsen has that right on key. Her characteristic deep throaty voice is instantly recognisable, and she is capable of injecting a huge amount of personality into her vocals. Her wardrobe, stage presence, and in fact, her entire ‘don't care' attitude simply screams rock star. She even experiments with a few growls and screams onstage and to cap it all, she can hit the notes that she hits in the studio just as well onstage, without the assistance of autotune. Check out Make Me Wanna Die and Just Tonight, by The Pretty Reckless.

Automatic Loveletter is a band that's been waiting to hit big time for far too long. Led by Juliet Simms, they combine fantastic hooks and memorable lyrics with an exciting rocky sound and emo influences. But it's Simm's vocal ability to communicate mood and emotions which keeps the fans listening. Her strong voice transposes all emotions, from vulnerable to seductive to desperate – and indeed, everything in between. She caresses the lyrics with rather husky tones which may not have the greatest range or strength, but you'd definitely recognise them, if you heard her chatting in a cafe. Check out Story of My Life and Let It Ride for her best vocal pyrotechnics.

With a recent album and two singles currently surfing the radio waves, there's never been a better time to introduce your eardrums to the sound of Evanescence. The band originally found success with the single Bring Me to Life in 2003. Two chart-topping albums later, and the band is proving that they still have what it takes to keep people interested. Their new album Evanescence might not have the most imaginative title, being named after the band itself, but it's the music that's important. 

There's plenty to like for old fans. The chugging guitars and Amy Lee's ethereal voice are both still present, although elements of electronic sound and dance rhythm have crept into one or two of the tracks which might upset some of the hardcore fanatics. Having said that, the sound is still rooted in rock and it's obvious that Lee hasn't lost her touch when it comes to crafting catchy anthems. What You Want and The Change both feature choruses that you'll find yourself singing along to, whilst Made of Stone loses the electronic and dance influences entirely in favour of the band's tried and tested formula of the live band enhanced by the piano, with an awesome guitar solo thrown in.    

After belting out three more powerful ballads, Lee finally slows down for Lost in Paradise. A highlight of the album, Lost in Paradise features a beautiful piano introduction highlighted by strings, reminiscent of the band's early single My Immortal, before the live band returns halfway through. Other highlights include the second single My Heart Is Broken, which features some impressive vocals over a distinctive piano riff and Oceans which swells and roars as dramatically as its namesake in a storm.

Rock musicians, Dan Auerbach, singer/guitarist, and Patrick Carney, drummer, hail from Akron, OH and form Black Keys. They have made it to the top of their profession by mixing of funk, soul, and rock with an impressive straightforward style without overdoing repetition of chord progressions. Whilst, Auerbach sings soulfully with his fine-tuned, mature, inherent blues voice.

• Their debut album, “Big Come Up”, ’was released in 2002.

• Their second album ‘Thick freakiness”, released in 2003

• ‘Rubber Factory’ was one of the best records of the year, in 2004.

• A live DVD followed in 2005

• ‘Chulahoma’ EP and ‘Magic Potion’ was produced in 2006.

The group’s live concert performances were produced for DVD and their music entered the new millennium billboard at number 14. Dan Auerbach’s first solo effort, ‘Keep It Hid’, was released at February 10, 2009.The release of the group’s latest album “El Camino” on Tuesday Dec 6, 2011, brought them to Number 46 on Billboard’s Social 50 Music chart. The album “El Camino” added 36,000 fans every week with an additional 81,000 YouTube profile viewers.The video for the latest single “Lonely Boy “debuted on October 25, 2011; pulling in 4 million views.

On the latest development Black Keys announced their upcoming arena tour, a first for the band, including the return to Saturday Night Live less than one year after their debut on the show.

The 1986 blockbusters “Slippery When Wet”; “You Give Love a Bad Name”; “Wanted Dead or Alive” and “Living on a Prayer” are all Bon Jovi pop-metal recordings, selling 120 million records worldwide. Towards the end of the last millennium, Bon Jovi gradually redefined the sound and spirit into New Rock and Roll and eventually hard rock.

Lead singer Jon Bon Jovi was born Jon Bongiovi in New Jersey. As an adolescent, he played guitar in local Jersey bands with David Bryan, born David Rashbaum. Jon worked as a janitor, and after work recorded demo tapes at the New York recording studio of his cousin, Tony Bongiovi.

It was there that the band Bon Jovi was formed, when one of their demos became a runaway hit. Bon Jovi, the band comprise of Jon Bon Jovi, Bryan, Richie Sambora, Alec John Such, and Tico Torres.

The original hit made the Billboard Top 40 and was followed by “7800* Fahrenheit” which went gold and paved the way to their breakthrough in 1986. Other hits followed which included, “Bad Medicine”, “I’ll Be There For You” and the top ten hits “Born To Be My Baby”, “Lay Your Hands On Me” and “Living in Sin”.

Bon Jovi broke many records in the 90s, and won Grammy and Oscar nominations for the soundtracks he wrote for movies, such as ‘Blaze of Glory’.

At the start of the 21st Century, Bon Jovi released his comeback album “Crash”, which included the hit single “It’s My Life”. Other singles followed throughout 2004 and his album “Have a Nice Day” was the first to be produced by John Shanks. This album included guest singer Jennifer Nettles who sang “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” which won a Grammy for the category ‘Best Country Collaboration with Vocals.’ This album also hit the top spot overseas in Japan, Austria, Europe and Canada.

Bon Jovi made further pop and country music the following year, until the band returned to Rock music in 2007.

Long delays, frustration, bereavement, hard work, determination and persistence comprise the spectacular success story of Kid Rock.

It took ten years of trying before Kid Rock finally became a superstar with his Top Five, seven-time platinum album “Devil without a Cause.”

Robert James Ritchie, better known as Kid Rock, was born in Romeo Michigan, on 17th January 1971. He was a talented and energetic young teenager when he started to get interested with rap, break dance, and rock music.

In his early youth, Kid Rock recorded his first demo which impressed Jive Records. “Grits Sandwiches for Breakfast” was his debut album in 1990 issued by Jive Records, but the album didn't sell enough copies to excite the music industry.

But Kid Rock was not discouraged; he continued to pursue his dreams by gathering other talented musicians to join him. He eventually formed the band “Twisted Brown Trucker” which comprised of Kenny Olsen lead guitar, with Andy Gould and George Metropopous on guitars, and on bass and drums were Paul Anthony and Bob Ebeling, with Uncle Kraker on the turntable.

The album “Devil without a Cause” paved the way to his stardom when it turned platinum in 2003. He became famous in his home town, and on the 17th and 18th July 2009, held a concert in Comerica Park which attracted a crowd of 80,000 over the two shows.

Several times a nominee for a Grammy Award, Kid Rock's musical style was greatly supported by his fans. Among those musicians whose styles are noticeable in his performances were Warren Zevon and Johnny Cash; and several more such as Whodini, Jim Croce, and the Beastie Boys. Eric B, Rakim, and Esham are also very significant influences to Kid Rock's music and performances.

Rock music started in the 1960s and was popularized by white singers, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. Its roots are in the 1940’s and 1950’s rock and roll period though. The heavily rhythmic rock and roll, blues and jazz sound has evolved into rock music.

Typically, rock music instruments comprise of electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, drums, synthesizer, keyboards and vocals. Rock music is extremely popular all over the world and had been embedded into movements, politics, subcultures and the arts, not only in the United States and the United Kingdom where it originated, but all over the world.

The extreme popularity of rock music already existed a long time before the internet controlled the communication industry. But it’s fair to say that the internet has made rock music available to millions of new fans. These include not only those enthusiasts of the 70s and 80s, but also today’s younger generation.

Rock music and the internet keep the world rocking in continuum. Often, the unique style of different bands which can be seen in their stage performances is reflected in the people who attend these events. They are influenced by the clothes, hairstyles, political and social beliefs and much more.

The following are some of the top rock bands of all time;

1. The Beatles

2. The Rolling Stones

3. Eagles

Among the latest popular rock music and artists are;

1. Black keys

2. Radiohead

3. Foo Fighters

4. Coldplay

5. Florence + The Machine

6. Train

7. Blur

8. Wu Lyf

As bands and songwriters run out of ideas, new artists often copy and borrow from their predecessors. It is quite rare, in this day and age, that something completely unheard of would appear in a rock song. For this reason, artists such as Radiohead borrow much from other genres such as dance and world music.

In 1993 a famed Led Zeppelin cover band dissolved and its singer, Pat Monahan, left his hometown Erie, PA for California. Here he settled for good and met Rob Hotchkiss, former front man of the defunct Apostles; together they formed a duo and began playing in local coffee houses.

The duo became a trio, with former Apostle Guitarist Jim Stafford joining in. The five-piece, who call themselves “Train”, was completed in 1994 when bassist Charlie Colin and drummer Scot Underwood joined.

The group started as balladeers popularising songs such as ‘Calling All Angels' and ‘Drops of Jupiter' in San Francisco and, later, all over America. In 2003, the popularity of ballads began to fade, but Train continued to find their niche by producing more and more songs to fit the trends in the music industry. Their single, ‘Hey, Soul Sister' hit a surprising Top 10 spot in 2010.

Train continued touring around San Francisco, eventually earning enough money to record an album. Columbia Records signed them to one of its smaller labels Aware Records and the debut record was issued in 1998. ‘Meet Virginia' turned out Top 40 one year later. The big hit though, came for them in 2001, when ‘Drops of Jupiter' was made a multi-platinum single and remained within the Top 40 for almost 40 weeks.

Train traded their alternative rock roots for an older fan base, but returned to the alternative rock formula, shortly after the release of ‘Hey, Soul Sister', which reached number three on the Billboard 100.

Train have returned to being a three-piece, with Patrick Monahan, Scott Underwood and Jimmy Stafford the current members. They are working on their sixth studio album and have been debuting songs, such as ‘Bruises', on recent tours.

Rock music has an enormous following that spans millions of people the world over. The numerous fans that are dedicated to this music are extensive and now that it can be accessed online, it only makes the audience larger. Online stations do all they can to keep their audiences entertained, not only by playing popular songs by rock musicians and bands, but also by keeping their listeners informed with updated news concerning their favourite artists.

News such as Paul Rogers hosting a UK charity concert is a must know for the millions of fans. Such acts of community development raise an artist's credence amongst fans and, it also shows his generous side. Motley Crue, a popular rock band, known all over the world, have an upcoming tour and they plan on releasing a series of their previous works and a compilation CD of their best songs. Online stations have really revolutionised the way in which a hard rock fan stays informed.

Rock music may be a single genre but it encompasses various styles, all unique to different groups of people. Heavy metal music can be identified by its intense and sometimes angry sound. With much of the musical focus on the electric guitar and the fuller drum sound, teenagers are attracted to this style of music as an expression of their angst. Death metal music falls under the same category as heavy metal music with similar qualities of presentation, only with more aggression and the added difficulty in hearing the lyrics.

Some notable rock bands include:

Blackout band - this band was established in 2003 and consists of six members. For December this group has organised and entertainment hoopla for its loyal fans at the Oxford Academy. The fans that are unable to reach the scene can access the band's free online music and they can download the music as well.

Korn - this is one of America's most popular heavy metal bands. They have announced the release of their latest album. This will be their tenth album since they started. This album will be featuring some great artists such as Excision, Skrillex and Datsik. This band was established in 1997 by four members.

The Foo Fighters – An alternative rock band established by Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl in 1994. They have released seven albums in total and have recently announced their 2012 tour to Japan.

Whether you are looking to keep track of where your favorite rock artists are performing or you just want to find out where and when their latest releases can be purchased, the web will provide you with all this information. You can even get streaming online music of your favourite songs.

Celebrated and much traveled Wales band The Blackout is set for a two day winter tour in December as a treat for their loyal fans during the 2011 festive season. The band is also lining up a digital EP which will be marked by their planned release of two songs You're Not Alone and Ambition is Critical on October 24th. The two hits will come complete with accompanying videos to offer you a whole new musical experience. The two songs are already available at their official MySpace page.

As part of the winter tour, The Blackout will host a big show at the famous Oxford academy on December 29th which will be succeeded by an arrival party at the Cardiff great hall on December 30th. Prior to this, the band will have a countrywide tour that will spread over the months of October and November to set pace for their December outing. They will feature guest bands like We are the Ocean and Canterbury as a way of attracting more of their fans to attend the shows.

The areas that they will visit in their countrywide tour will include Leeds University, Edinburgh picture house, Hull University and Bristol academy which will be between October 27th and 30th. Then in November, they will set their tour rolling at the Lincoln engine shed on November 1st before proceeding to Portsmouth pyramids, Birmingham academy and Manchester academy before winding up at the London roundhouse on November 6th.

Established in 2003, the band consists of six members who have managed to hold together all along despite facing challenges. Sean Smith and Gavin Butler are the lead vocalists while James Davies and Mathew Davies offer backup as well as handling the guitars. Rhys Lewis is the bass guitarist with Gareth Lawrence being the drummer, but plays the backup role in some instances. Despite releasing most of their songs as singles, The Blackout has scooped many honours to their name which include the Pop Factory Award for the best new act in Wales which they bagged in 2006.

Popular American metal band Korn has announced plans to release their latest album. Named The Path of Totality, it will be the tenth album of their musical career and will be unveiled on December 5th at an event that will feature among others popular producers namely Datsik, Noisia, Excision and Skrillex. They are members of the Dubstep entertainment company which has been the main producer of all the Korn albums. Dubstep has furthermore been the company behind their always successful singles and the release of this album will be a milestone achieved on their part.

According to Munky who is a member of the band, the album is a culmination of an experiment that not many people thought would be such a success, thus its release will prove them wrong. They are buoyed by the massive approval of their latest single Get Up by fans, which is currently rocking the charts and has brought a complete revolution to the metal music industry. The album will come both as a CD and deluxe to cater for all the needs of their fans in addition to having a DVD containing the live concert they performed in Bakersfield in the US some months ago.

Korn came to be in 1993 with four members namely Reginald Awizu, Ray Luzier, James Shaffer and Jonathan Davis who were associated with metal music before coming together. As an indicator of their hardworking nature and hunger to succeed where other metal musicians have failed, they released a trial album the same year which went by the name Neidermeyer's Mind. Even though it failed to hit as per their expectations, that did not discourage them from releasing their second album in 1994 which went by the band's name and was a massive hit. It actually announced their much waited entry into the industry.