War On Women
Baltimore's co-ed feminist hardcore, with Shawna Potter's righteous fury over pummeling riffs. Confrontational, necessary, and a Fest force.
About War On Women
War On Women is a hardcore punk band from Baltimore, MD, formed in 2010.
War On Women grew out of a long working relationship between guitarist Brooks Harlan and vocalist Shawna Potter, who Harlan recruited in 2003 to sing and play guitar in an earlier Baltimore indie-rock band, AVEC. Potter has cited seeing Courtney Love play guitar as what first pushed her toward music. The two formed War On Women in 2010, drawing directly on the riot grrrl bands Potter grew up on.
The band plays co-ed hardcore punk with lyrics aimed squarely at misogyny, sexual violence, reproductive rights and harassment, delivered in Potter's declamatory shout over fast, thickly distorted riffs.
Their discography runs from the six-song debut EP Improvised Weapons in 2012 through three full-lengths on Bridge Nine Records: a self-titled 2015 album and 2018's Capture the Flag, both recorded with J. Robbins of Jawbox, and 2020's Wonderful Hell. Harlan has pointed to Fugazi, Bad Brains, At the Drive-In, Metallica and Slayer as touchstones alongside less obvious names like Suzanne Vega and Ben Folds Five. The band signed to Smartpunk Records in 2025.
Beyond the band, Potter has worked as an advocate against street harassment and for safer music venues, an interest that carries into War On Women's records and the blunt spoken introductions that frame their songs live.
Hardcore punkFeminist punk
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Questions about War On Women
Where is War On Women from?
War On Women is from Baltimore, MD.
Who is in War On Women?
War On Women is Dave Cavalier (drums), Brooks Harlan (guitar), Jennifer Vito (guitar), Shawna Potter (lead vocals) and Sue Werner (bass). Former members include Nancy Hornburg, Rusty Haynie and Evan Tanner.
When did War On Women form?
War On Women formed in Baltimore in 2010.
What was War On Women's first album?
War On Women's first album was War on Women (2015). The latest is Time Under Tension (2026).
Is War On Women on tour?
Yes. War On Women has 3 shows listed, from Philadelphia, PA on Dec 3, 2026 to Cleveland Heights, OH on Dec 10, 2026.
What kind of music does War On Women play?
War On Women plays hardcore punk and feminist punk.
What festivals has War On Women played before?
War On Women has played The Fest 2026.