Christian Mistress

Few artists of recent memory have proven their originality and devotion to American heavy metal like CHRISTIAN MISTRESS. Formed in Olympia, Washington in November 2008, the band quickly distinguished themselves through their tasteful treatment of the grit and style pioneered by early 80’s NWOBHM as well as through the unique, raspy vocal presence of Christine Davis. After releasing a demo and a single in 2009 on Nasjonal US, the band embarked on a string of West Coast tours and regional shows. 2010 saw CHRISTIAN MISTRESS partner with Olympia label 20 Buck Spin to release their debut full-length Agony & Opium, a release that led Spin to claim that “Christian Mistress might rule the world.” A national tour with Thrones followed. Agony & Opium also caught the attention of Relapse Records, who signed CHRISTIAN MISTRESS in June 2011. Shortly thereafter, the band entered Louder Studios in Grass Valley, California to record their second full length Possession, a 41-minute slab of traditional heavy metal mixed with classic rock sensibilities. Released in February 2012, Possession netted the band widespread recognition, and was covered by publications as disparate as Cvlt Nation, MSN, and the New York Times. Time Out NY called Possession “a record that reinjects the mystery and majesty into a tired style,” and the New York Times praised the album’s subtlety and depth, stating that “at first you think you know exactly what the record is giving you; on the third listen you’re still discovering it.” In the wake of Possession, the band embarked on a European trek through the UK, Italy, Germany, and several other countries that included a performance at Roadburn in the Netherlands. By now, it’s clear that CHRISTIAN MISTRESS are deeply passionate about what they do, and aren’t simply following the latest trends – Terrorizer stated, “seriously; fuck a bandwagon, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS feel like a one-band revival machine.” After having relocated to Portland, OR, the band return in 2015 with To Your Death, an 8-song excursion in pure American heavy metal again recorded at Louder Studios. Marked by the powerful vocals of Christine Davis, the rich harmonies of guitarists Oscar Sparbel and newcomer Tim Diedrich, and the strong rhythmic presence of Jonny Wulf (bass) and Reuben Storey (drums), To Your Death demonstrates the time and effort the band have taken in honing their craft over the years. Simultaneously present and traditional, CHRISTIAN MISTRESS ignore the lines drawn between past, present and future, focusing only on serving the listener and their art.