Music is self-expression and artistry at its finest. Sonically, lyrically, the imagery, there are so many rabbit holes for a band to fall down. Polish band Misstress pull us down a warren more suited to Watership Down than Peter Rabbit for their third album Resurrected. Following in the footsteps of GWAR, Marilyn Manson, and the godfather of shock rock Alice Cooper, Misstress are keen to remind us this genre is still worth talking about.
The bells toll for thee with ‘Resurrection’. Misstress’ instrumental opening is a stereotypically Gothic playground. Thunderclaps rumble through the soundscape, immediately casting the net into pools of darkness. Choral vocalisations are ripped from the monastery for their eerie yet comforting nature. Though as a door creaks open, we’re soon told there is no sanctuary to be found here.
Misstress sets the bar high with an introduction as rich as ‘Resurrection’. We expect an album full of dark tones, menacing content, and the odd outlandish remark. The clue’s in the title of the genre. Using creepy guitar licks and rhythms to shimmy those shoulders to, this rock n’ roll party’s venue is the local graveyard. Does Resurrected bring us back to life or have us wanting to stay in the grave? It does a little of both.
A crushing riff holds us under the spell of ‘Lilith (Sanctificetur Nomen Tuum)’. This ode to the “hot fiery female who first cohabited with man” is as demonic as they come. ‘Shout At The Devil’ like riffs have us bobbing our heads and trying to emulate the ritualistic bridges at the same time. Savage licks ravage us like the flames of Hell and the scream over lapping the solo shows Misstress are fully engulfed in Lilith’s inferno. The solo itself is fast paced and aggressive which becomes the norm on the album. By song’s end, ‘Lilith (Sanctificetur Nomen Tuum)’ has asserted her place as Misstress’ “queen of the pleasure and pain”.
Shock rock’s all about the occult, mythical creatures and “drag me to the underworld” vibes, right? Not entirely. Nestled within those thematics are songs such as ‘No Risk No Fun’ which calls out to their anarchist step sister; punk rock. The mentality of “live fast die young” comes out to play with pummelling basslines and drums explosive enough to burn this city to the ground. Then, as with all red blooded humans, sex soon becomes a factor with tunes like ‘Sex, Blood And Rock n’ Roll’ or ‘Blood Sucker’ where the line “Suck me baby” becomes prevalent. Gotta be honest with your desires...
Is there such thing as crossing the line? For some, yes. If you’re of a delicate nature, you might want to give ‘Jesus Christ Pornstar’ a miss. A heavy bassline ignites our sexual desire. Just as the moment gets going, a blast of the church organs douse our flame. Continuing our confusion, Misstress launch into a chugging bass laden intro which makes us think the organ was a strange blip. As the verse kicks in though, the dirge returns, the singular note pervading the song makes for uncomfortable listening. The scene is set; it’s late, you’re alone and looking to sate some desires. A man on screen takes your fancy, you’re feeling it, getting into the groove… only to realise this “sexy man” is Jesus. Pounding drums, thrusting guitars and perverse vocal hooks demonstrate that nothing and no one is safe from Misstress’ desire.
As we become ‘Resurrected’, it becomes apparent that 13 songs for this album is too many. The songs often blend into one and become formulaic. For something as prolific as shock rock, indifference is the worst thing to leave this album feeling. Are there good moments on the album? Of course there are. They just don’t outweigh indifference for us.
‘Resurrected’ is available now across all major streaming platforms. For the latest Misstress news, including new releases and tour dates, either visit their website or follow their social media linked below.
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