In 2009 Christian Mistress released a 4 song demo cassette, which quickly went on to sell more than 300 copies worldwide. The demo attracted the attention and praise of several underground luminaries and lovers of classic metal including infamous illustrator Dennis Dread, Ajna Offensive curator Tyler Davis and outspoken Darkthrone mastermind Gylve “Fenriz” Nagell who has repeatedly namedropped the band in recent interviews. A two track 7 inch EP was subsequently released further garnering the band underground accolades across the world.
Far from being yet another throwback or mere tribute band Christian Mistress’s music is rooted firmly in the present with a respectable and dignified grasp of retrospect. On “Agony & Opium” the band unleash 6 ripping tracks of precision-crafted American Heavy Metal that will set the bar for the modern classic sound that doesn’t simply ride the lightning of past scene glories and aesthetics, but brings new fresh ideas to the genre musically and lyrically. The shredding dual guitar lead trade-offs, performed with the utmost class, never lose sight of memorable songcraft first and foremost. Anchored by a tight, driving rhythm section and the raw and throaty instantly memorable vocal delivery of Christine Davis, the Christian Mistress sound is immediately familiar and yet sounds like no other heavy metal band currently working.
Pentagram and Crucifix
Christian Mistress Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Reeks of death
When the demon speaks
Feel its breath
Ritual of blood
Penetrate the womb
Poison the holy men
I'm Leviathan restless daggers
Pushing in around his sides
Pentagram and crucifix
Mandalas put to the test
Level the head of the holy man
He's got no right to dictate life
He's gonna be damned with the souls of man
And bury in their strife
Writhing pain
Find the vein and attack
Sever the source of life
Won't wait to save you
A cry in vain
Strikes right through him
He can't begin to find the way
Pentagram and crucifix
They begin to look the same
Level the head of the holy man
He's got no right to dictate life
He's gonna be damned with the souls of man
And bury in their strife
The lyrics in Christian Mistress's song "Pentagram and Crucifix" explore themes of rebellion against religious authority. The opening lines describe an offering that "reeks of death" and the presence of a demonic force that can be felt through its breath. The following verse describes a ritual of blood that poisons "holy men" who carry crosses. The chorus repeats the line "Pentagram and crucifix, mandalas put to the test" which suggests that the symbols of Christianity and occultism are being compared or contrasted.
The second verse features the singer identifying as a Leviathan, a sea creature often associated with Satan in mythology. The Leviathan is said to be restless and using "daggers" to attack someone's side. The holy man who attempts to "dictate life" is ultimately doomed to join the souls of man in their strife. The images in this verse highlight the violence and danger associated with rebellion against religion.
Overall, "Pentagram and Crucifix" is a passionate rejection of religious authority and a call to embrace the freedom that comes from rejecting dogma. It's a challenge to the listener to question what they've been told and make their own way in the world. The song doesn't offer easy answers, but instead, urges the listener to find their own path.
Line by Line Meaning
Offering
The song starts with an offering.
Reeks of death
The offering has a bad smell of death.
When the demon speaks
The demon's voice can be heard after the offering.
Feel its breath
The demon's breath can be felt after its voice is heard.
Ritual of blood
The ritual performed involves blood.
Penetrate the womb
The ritual involves penetrating the womb.
Poison the holy men
The holy men are being poisoned during the ritual.
Shouldering their cross
The holy men are carrying their crosses during the ritual.
I'm Leviathan restless daggers
The artist is introducing themselves as Leviathan, along with their restless daggers.
Pushing in around his sides
The restless daggers are pushing in around someone's sides.
Pentagram and crucifix
The symbols of pentagram and crucifix are being used.
Mandalas put to the test
The mandalas are being tested during the ritual.
Level the head of the holy man
The singer wants to level the head of the holy man, or bring them down from their position.
He's got no right to dictate life
The singer believes that the holy man has no right to dictate life to others.
He's gonna be damned with the souls of man
The singer believes that the holy man will be condemned along with everyone else.
And bury in their strife
The holy man will be buried in the strife of the people they have condemned.
Writhing pain
There is writhing pain felt.
Find the vein and attack
The person is being attacked in their vein.
Sever the source of life
The source of life is being cut off.
Won't wait to save you
There is no waiting to save you during the attack.
A cry in vain
Someone is crying out but it is in vain.
Strikes right through him
The cry strikes right through someone.
He can't begin to find the way
Someone cannot find the way, even after the cry.
Pentagram and crucifix
The pentagram and crucifix symbols are being referred to again.
They begin to look the same
The symbols begin to look the same, perhaps losing their meaning.
Contributed by Jacob G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dehmitz
I can't praise this band enough, on all fronts: vocals, songwriting, musicianship, distinctive sound.
Andrew V
I fucking love this band. old school metal feel, not too complicated, and this girl sounds evil...
Frosty665
Awesome music. Looking forward to getting this album. Love the old school style metal music and her vocals on top of that is perfect.
dropkickproductiontx
Really digging the retro sound mixed with some new influences. Great stuff guys!
Bret Maness
Real metal and that VOICE, and an awesome lead break, I'm officially head over hills in love!
mandalay71
This band rocks! Love her singing. I first heard them on XM radio. Very cool, please come to PA.
dampheat
Just got this record in the mail last week, and I seriously can't stop listening!
Neo-Midgar
This is a good production job. They were going for a retro sound, & that's exactly what they got.
Oscar Bernardino
to viciado nessa banda, boa indicação dos amigos dos Metal na Veia.
Дмитрий Фетисов
Best new heavy metal female fronted band along with Castle.