Priestess - Prior To The Fire

 

Prior To The Fire, the second album from Montreal's Priestess, has been sitting on the bench since the end of 2008 following former label RCA's decision to can it for an apparent lack of singles. However, after being allowed to take it elsewhere – New Yorks' Tee Pee records to be exact, home to the likes of Witch and The Atomic Bitchwax – it finally sees the light of day and to that, one can only say: thank fuck. The absurdly energetic Ladykiller ignites an album of breakneck thrash-metal speed, progressive, Mastodon style beatdowns and the kind of theatrical metallic melodies that would make both Maiden and Priest incredibly proud. Bizarrely enough, several cuts on here, including Sideways Attack and The Firebird are entirely infectious fare, prompting one to ponder once more whether or not any major label really knows its arse from its elbow. [Ryan Drever]