Christian Mistress – Possession – Album Review

Possession is Christian Mistress’ major label debut, following up from 2010’s Agony & Opium. By their own admission, Possession sees the band ‘standing on the shoulders of metal luminaries of the past.’

The album is fast paced and feels rough around the edges which makes for a great listen. The opening three songs are in your face with ‘Pentagram and Crucifix’ being an early highlight. ‘The Way Beyond’ is an epic in every sense of the word, helped by a  fantastic introduction, the whole track just makes you want to just punch the air with your fist.

Throughout Possession, there are duelling guitars from Ryan McClain and Oscar Sparbel which reek of legendary twin axe attacks (see Smith/Murray and Downing/Tipton). The music is brought to life by vocalist Christine Davis’ unique and powerful voice.

Slower moments come along in the form of Possession but they are no less heavy. ‘Black to Gold’ is unashamedly 70’s and reminiscent of Thin Lizzy. There is Nowhere is a very ballady moment which again shows the splendor of Davis’ voice and comes complete with a euphoric ending, blown up with by that glorious twin guitar sound.

Possession may be drenched in a NWOBHM sound and does tip its hat to many of those bands, but this is by no means a traditional metal trawl. It’s an ultimately enjoyable album and the 40 minutes duration is just right. Christian Mistress’ latest release on the whole is a very accomplished record of a band on the up.

Track Listing

01. Over And Over
02. Pentagram And Crucifix
03. Conviction
04. The Way Beyond
05. Possession
06. Black To Gold
07. There Is Nowhere
08. Haunted Hunted
09. All Abandon