Christian Mistress: To Your Death

It doesn't seem quite right that the press materials describe this band as "simultaneously relevant and anachronistic." I think I understand what it means, but I'm not quite ready to think of this band in terms of anachronism quite yet. A better descriptor might be nostalgic; maybe it would be even better still to just say that this is solid heavy metal played in the tradition of 80s bands without the excess, the drama, and the power ballads. If you grew up listening to bands like the Scorpions and Iron Maiden, it may be that Christian Mistress is just the thing you need in a world full of band after band after band vying for your attention.

The highlights of this album mostly come from the vocals and the guitars. Christine Davis's vocals suit the music perfectly. They combine toughness and melody in ways that might bring to mind a little bit of Pat Benetar and maybe some Lita Ford. Those comparisons aren't fair because Davis isn't simply trying to sound like popular musicians from the past. I'm suggesting instead that she is a new version of that approach to vocals, an approach that is tough and rocking and sincere.

Listeners should also check out the guitar playing by Oscar Sparbel and Tim Diedrich, especially in the second half of the album. Some of the solos and lead passages near the end are spot on and exciting. I never get tired of solid lead playing and bands like this haven't forgotten what makes guitar solos cool.

The music on this album is nothing less than a love letter to heavy metal itself. It's not about carving out a new genre or showing off how tough or authentic the band members are. Instead, it's a musical offering, one that I'll gladly enjoy until the next album.

Track Listing:
1. Neon
2. Stronger than Blood
3. No Place
4. Walkin' Around
5. Open Road
6. Ultimate Freedom
7. Lone Wild
8. III

Added: December 4th 2015
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Band Facebook Page
Hits: 1935
Language: english

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