Prior To The Fire
by Priestess
  • Record Label: Tee Pee
  • Release Date: Feb 2, 2010
Metascore
68

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 12
  3. Negative: 1 out of 12
  1. Absolute Punk (Staff reviews)
    73
    Overall, it's a palatable mix of retro-leaning metal that's suitable for headbanging or playing air-guitar but doesn't cover much new ground.
  2. AllMusic
    80
    Their combination of crunching riffs, hard-driving rhythms, and howling vocals isn't exactly unique, but their spin on the sound, which adds some touches of classic, early-'80s pre-glam metal to the usual blend of Deep Purple, Black Sabbath, et. al, has a lot of appeal.
  3. Alternative Press
    60
    The riff-roaring arena anthems "Racon Eyes" and "The Firebird" are among the most infectious tracks Priestess have ever written. Elsewhere, the band's retro-fuzz machinations don't fare so well. [Mar 2010, p.98]
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  5. Pitchfork
    59
    The album has no grand arc; it's just a collection of pretty okay jams for people who already own everything Pentagram ever recorded. It's fine, but it's nothing more than fine.
  6. PopMatters
    50
    On the new record, much to our surprise, the majority of the vocal lines sound half-baked at best, and with the odd exception, not for a second memorable.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    50
    While the definable hooks are definitely more present than on most metal records, that doesn't necessarily make a better, or even more accessible album.
  8. Q Magazine
    80
    Montreal's Preistess are more holy smokers than divers, to the point where this engrossing second album recalls the potent psych-rock of the early-'90s-era. [Apr 2010, p.106]
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  9. Revolver
    80
    It's melodic and Malevolent, a relentlessly good disc with an A.D.D. sufferer's list of pop-cultural obsessions ranging from Robocop to werewolves to Judas Priest. [May/Jun 2010, p.100]
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  10. Rock Sound
    90
    Prior To The Fire will set the Canadians aside from their peers.
  11. Spin
    80
    After 2006's acclaimed debut, Hello Master, this Montreal metal foursome had to cut through a mass of red tape before Fire, their long-gestating follow-up, could get a U.S. release date. Someone should be fired for the delay, because this baby burns.
  12. The Boston Phoenix
    37
    Long on tweedly solos, rambling structures, and songs about being trapped in space and time, Prior to the Fire--love the title, dudes, despite my disappointment--is sure to satisfy hardcore stoner-metal devotees with no fear of the occasional eight-minute track length. Everybody else should seek out "Hello Master."
  13. Under The Radar
    60
    On its sophomore album, Priestess pulls no punches and delivers all blows in menacing fashion, borrowing heavily from the gods of metal's yesteryear.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 8 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 8
  3. Negative: 1 out of 8
  1. skyminster
    Feb 21, 2016
    9
    I don’t understand why RCA Records were so reluctant to release this album. It’s heavy, rocking, and brilliant in its style — which resemblesI don’t understand why RCA Records were so reluctant to release this album. It’s heavy, rocking, and brilliant in its style — which resembles music played by such bands as Iron Maiden and Mastodon. It’s a great 80’s thrash album, but done in 2009, with some added prog and Priestess awesomeness. Nonetheless, the change in style from their first album means less catchy choruses, so it’s certainly not as accessible. This is only a negative point, though, in a couple of tracks — as the rest of the album retains a quality sound, with fantastic musicality and variety. If you like Priestess, listen to this. If you like any of the other bands I related to it, give this a try. This is Prior to the Fire, and it will grow on you like a fungus until you love it to bits. So, it’s probably just better than Hello Master, somehow.

    87/100 (rounded to 9/10).    … Full Review »
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