Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based hard rockers PRIESTESS have signed a deal with New York City's Tee Pee Records for the release of the band's sophomore album, "Prior to the Fire".

Recorded in Los Angeles with producer David Schiffman (SYSTEM OF A DOWN, THE MARS VOLTA, NINE INCH NAILS), "Prior to the Fire" underlines PRIESTESS' hard-hitting songwriting, memorable hooks and earth-shaking ability to rock. The long-awaited follow up to 2006's critically acclaimed debut "Hello Master" sees PRIESTESS at once hungry, fierce and focused. The record's majestic power merges titanic riffs, memorable metal, progressive rock and hard psych elements with the powerful, expressive vocals of Mikey Heppner to create an album that will floor heavy music fans.

"It wasn't the easiest record to make," says Heppner, "but the hard work definitely paid off and we're really, really proud of the end result. We've done so much touring and seen so much since our first record that it only galvanized our feelings of what the band is. The songs that make up 'Prior to the Fire' were meant to be heard live and loud. We can't wait to get out on tour again and really do them justice!"

In celebration of "Prior to the Fire" and its new label home, PRIESTESS has announced a special New York City live performance as part of the 2009 CMJ Music Marathon. PRIESTESS will join new label mates NAAM, NEBULA and more at Tee Pee's CMJ day party on Thursday, October 22 at Brooklyn's Union Pool and will headline an absolutely stellar bill at the Tee Pee Records showcase on Friday, October 23 at NYC's Cake Shop. Additionally, PRIESTESS has announced December, 2009 U.S. tour dates, giving fans a chance to hear the new songs previous to the release of "Prior to the Fire".

"Prior to the Fire" will be released in the U.S. in February 2010.