A decade ago, I was changing my career entirely, starting at a new job that I still have to this day. Well, not the same role. Same company. You get it. It’s a long time and a short time. It feels like those days went flashing by at times, and at others, it feels like a lifetime ago. A pandemic, personal losses, and a world upheaval also happened in that span, which changed everything we know about the world.

Ten years ago also was the last time we got a full-length from traditional metal power Christian Mistress, that being 2015’s “To Your Death.” Then everything went silent with the band for a long, long time. Then, a few years ago, some shows got announced. Something was brewing, and that arrives with their fourth album “Children of the Earth.” While the band itself may have been active the last decade, this album conscience has been taking it all in like a sponge, with the words sounding as informed and vital as ever. The band—vocalist Christine Davis, guitarist/bassist Jonny Wulf, guitarist Tim Diedrich, drummer Reuben Storey—sounds like they never missed a day, delivering eight tracks over 33 minutes that pump with passion and fury that can swallow you into their world. There’s also a message about the enormity of the universe in which we live, and how we’re a minuscule part of the story, having such a tiny time to make a mark.

“City of Gold” opens shrouded in guitar smoke, Davis’ leathery singing voice reminding us just why we fell in love with this band in the first place. There’s great energy here, a fiery chorus, Davis calling, ” One shot rang out, the hand of fate denied, two feet, run away and hide,” as a big finish gets blood rushing. “Voiceless” has strong leads and a defiance, showing a drive to stand up for those who cannot. “Use your voice, it’s what you got,” David pushes to those who have the ability, the guitars churning. Leads then blaze even harder, the spirit taking up arms, Davis asking, “What would the voiceless say?” as the final moments scorch. “Demon’s Night” has snarling riffs, the singing sparking emotion, the pace shifting as the melodies get catchier. The soloing has a nice vintage edge to it, letting nostalgia boil, and over that Davis calls, “I was left for dead, I was out in the cold, oh if this is the end let it begin.” “Love of the World” weighs the evils of society for one’s passion for the planet, riffs swaggering and driving, Davis admitting this feeling is “the only thing that keeps me engaged.” The chorus bubbles with strength, even in its simplicity, and as it repeats, the fervor grows in your heart, the ills of existence melting away just a bit.

“Mythmaker” is a killer, a righteous metal battle gem that reminds of Dio’s classics, and it starts with guitars chewing and Davis weaving through, commanding, “They say come see if it’s right for you, dance to death on the other side,” before declaring, “You are the mythmaker!” The idea of you being your own visionary is loud and clear, especially when she prods, “Create your story,” before a jarring end. “Death Blade” has a Van Halen-like start, which instantly gets the juices flowing, holding swords aloft and refusing surrender. “Give them hell when they come for you,” she belts, the guitars taking flight again, the drums driving through your chest cavity. “Lake of Memory” gives off some Thin Lizzy vibes with the twin guitars attacking, and this track is where we get our album title with Davis calling, “We are children of the earth! We are children of the stars and sky!” which is the command to find said lake in the realm of Hades in the afterlife. Guitars then slink as the drumming activates, putting a blistering end on this tale. Closer “Shadow” is an end-of-record standout, Davis a cappella singing, “Tonight, we could be gods in the Pantheon, we could be anything,” which should light a heavy metal fire in your heart. The track is rousing and glorious, a song that reignites passions and brings new converts to the fold as the band makes your journey limitless, your mind an open ground for creation, the possibility of victory apparent.

It’s so great to have Christian Mistress back in our orbit, and while 10 years gone seems like a long time (especially considering what that decade contained), they fit right back in the pocket on “Children of the Earth.” It’s easy to place the vintage tag on them, as has been the case since they first arrived, but they have so much more than that. They have a heart and humanity that we need right now, as well as a prevailing spirit that reminds us not to give in to our oppressors. Plus they boil heavy metal down to its original form in a genuine and powerful way that only this band can harness.

For more on the band, go here: https://christianmistress.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-earth

To buy the album, go here: https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store/index.php?route=product/search&search=CHRISTIAN%20MISTRESS&description=true

For more on the label, go here: https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/store/