Priestess are a Canadian quartet whose debut album, Hello Master, is now being given a worldwide release on RCA/Lime Records. 

In a splendid piece of PR, the press blurb that accompanies this release states that Priestess “achieves pure sonic bliss through genuine heaviosity and uncomprimized melodic hookery”. Whilst licence is always given to those with the difficult job of trying to think up some new description for a band under their wing, I think in this case the PR folks have actually got a point. 

Priestess are pretty heavy in a retro-tinged way but there’s also plenty of melodic elements to their style, which overall is really quite infectious. Several tracks open with guitar riffs that are straight from the 70s rock era of the likes of Free and Cream, but then a modern touch comes along in the form of vocalist Mikey Heppner, who is far more contemporary in terms of style. It’s an interesting marriage of old and new but somehow it works. 

I think the sheer catchiness and quality of the songs is what shines through most and ultimately that is surely the most important thing, irrespective of what style of rock you choose to play. 

There are so many influences that seem to have shaped their sound that virtually every track had me thinking about yet another band, often generations and many rock styles apart. It would be interesting to find out from the guys exactly what they spent their formative years listening to. 

Apparently Priestess have been on tour in the US with Mastodon (surely they are way too disparate to be on the same bill ??) and the good news is that they are heading to these shores for a UK tour in May. On the strength of this album, I reckon they will be well worth checking out if you get the chance.

Let us know your views on 'Hello Master'

Track Listing

I Am the Night, Colour Me Black
Lay Down
Run Home
Two Kids
Talk to Her
Time Will Cut You Down
Everything That You Are
Shakes
Performance
Living Like a Dog
No Real Pain
Blood

 Line Up

Mikey Heppner - Vocals/Guitar
Mike Dyball - Bass
Vince Nudo - Vocals/Drums
Dan Watchorn - Vocals/Guitar