:: Priestess - Prior To The Fire

Priestess

Usually all a band needs to do to drive away the mainstream listener is say they're heavy metal. All those angry grunts and grinds aren't exactly everyone's cup of tea, but that hasn't stopped Canadian outfit Priestess from trying to get them to drink it anyway. In actual fact, Priestess have somehow managed to mix just enough pop into the heavy metal sound of their new album Prior To The Fire, that it's more than just bearable, it's actually pretty damn good. “Raccoon Eyes” is definitely the album's stand out song. Energetic and fierce, this track could easily be the love child of Motorhead and Paramore. It's fast-paced and packs a punch with gritty, screamed lyrics and guitar hooks that go on for days.Simply put, “Raccoon Eyes” is metal with a pop-rock hat on. But just when you were starting to think that Priestess have castrated heavy metal, they throw a track like “Lunar” at you. Obviously for the traditionalists, “Lunar” perfectly plays up the pained vocals and pounding drum chorus that made Nine Inch Nails big, but the again David Schiffman did produce this record, so that's not such a big surprise. Priestess end this lofty experiment of progressive rock and dramatic metal on a high note. “Trapped in Space & Time” is the best of both worlds. You get your high and heavy beats that rip at one another with frenetic speed before collapsing into a melancholic and dark chorus that's dripping with a weary rock melody. But then again, that's Prior To The Fire - the best of both worlds. Metal and hard rock not for the staunch, diehard Iron Maiden fans, but for those who like their rock with a little bit of bite. If that sounds good to you, check out Priestess when they hit our shores late 2010!