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While a lot of people are against the idea of tribute bands, there are a fair share of tribute bands out that are original and breathe life into classic material. Judas Priestess, an all-female tribute to Judas Priest, is one of those special tribute bands as have a lot more to offer than precise cover versions. And much like Lez Zeppelin and The Iron Maidens, Judas Priestess is able to tour and play real-deal venues.
Also unlike most of their tribute peers, Judas Priestess has been featured in a variety of mainstream outlets. They appeared on VH1 Classic’s That Metal Show and have gotten press in publications in sources as diverse as Buzzfeed, Guitar World, The Guardian and High Times. Founding Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing is a fan, as are original Priest vocalist Al Atkins and Rob Halford’s guitarist Metal Mike. Their live performances often include special guests, examples of that being Skid Row’s Tony Harnell, Dream Theater’s John Petrucci, and The Howard Stern Show‘s Richard Christy.
In support of Judas Priestess’ upcoming appearance at Clark, New Jersey’s Rock Carnival on September 18th, I was able to ask questions to vocalist Militia Vox, bassist Gyda Gash and drummer Hillary Blaze. As our Q&A ought to convey, these are hard-working folks who take the music seriously but totally “get it.”
What makes Judas Priestess the definitive Priest tribute band?
Hillary Blaze: We don’t stick to just the hit songs in the Priest catalogue. At a Judas Priestess show you’ll hear songs like “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and “Electric Eye,” but you will also hear the deeper cuts as well such as “Saints in Hell.” In some cases we play songs that Priest themselves never played live. We also incorporate the well-known leather studded look and stage moves to give a full Judas Priest experience.
In most tribute bands, the members adapt aliases similar to the real musicians’ names. Judas Priestess does not do that. Any reason why?
Militia Vox: Main reason being that we are not impersonators. We are tributing but as ourselves. It is important to us that we have our own identities within the band.
Gyda Gash: We are authentic personas in our own right, not “mock stars.” As accomplished players we perform the great music of Judas Priest with professional skill. Judas Priestess is an all-star band.
Hillary Blaze: We aim to give the audience the full Judas Priest experience but keep our identity as musicians and fans of the band. We like to give the songs a little bit of our own flavor.
Were you ever part of a tribute band before Judas Priestess?
Hillary Blaze: No, this is the first time I’ve played in a band that is a tribute.
Gyda Gash: I had been impressed with the success of Lez Zeppelin so when their former drummer asked me to join her all-girl David Bowie tribute, I didn’t hesitate. That band was short-lived but the experience was the impetus for me starting Judas Priestess.
Militia Vox: This is my first official tribute band, although I have sung and played in various tribute concerts and events.
For someone who hasn’t seen Judas Priestess before, what should be expected from your upcoming festival appearance in Clark, NJ?
Hillary Blaze: A high energy, full-on, balls to the wall Judas Priest experience!
Gyda Gash: Plus add in a little feminine sex appeal.
For an average Judas Priestess show, how much of the setlist is “classic Priest” versus lesser-known songs?
Hillary Blaze: I would say generally around 70 percent is better-known, classic Priest, but we will give you the lesser-known songs.
In your opinion, what is the most underrated song in the Judas Priest catalog?
Hillary Blaze: This is a tough one. I feel like “The Sentinel” should get more love than it has though.
Gyda Gash: “Deep Freeze” off Rocka Rolla.
Militia Vox: I’m going to be the jerk on this one and say the last three Priest albums are very underrated! I know many Priest fans would and have argued with me on this. But one of the things that I love about Priest is that they aren’t afraid to push the envelope and try new things. They are ARTISTS first. They have always challenged themselves, which is very admirable in my eyes. To me, the most underrated album of theirs is Angel Of Retribution, that album has such a diverse range of songs. It’s overall very dark and goes from heavy as hell to moments of being very soft and majestic. Perhaps what turned people off from it were the references to other Priest songs on it – like “the painkiller rises again” and “guarded by the sentinel,” etc. who knows…anyway, my favorite songs from that album are “Hellrider” and “Judas Rising.”
When not playing in Judas Priestess, are you part of any other bands? Do you have any other projects beyond music?
Militia Vox: Yes, I’m a solo artist, Militia Vox. I write and co-produce the material. I currently have one album out called Bait and a new single out now called “Vow,” all of which are available on iTunes, Amazon, etc. My second album is coming out at the end of the year aptly titled The Villainess. Aside from music, I’m also an actor — I’ve recently been in a few musicals, cabarets, short films and currently cast in a vampire movie called Octavia.
Gyda Gash: I also write my own material and play bass in The Voluptuous Horror Of Karen Black.
Hillary Blaze: I’ve been doing session and live work for several projects recently. I’ve been doing dates for a Boston singer/songwriter Jessica Labus, I’ve been doing studio work for Tonybro’s Orbynot out of New Jersey, I am working on some original songs with a guitarist and bassist based in New Hampshire and I recently started playing some dates with a New England Ozzy Osbourne tribute called Wizard of Ozz.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
Hillary Blaze: Music is the universal language. You can reach people and touch their souls simply through the power of a song. Music can excite, inspire, heal emotional wounds, validate and uplift. Always keep it in your heart.
Gyda Gash: School’s out! Come to the Rock Carnival!
Militia Vox: We hope to see you at New Jersey’s first annual Food Truck and Rock Carnival. We kick off the party on Friday, September 18th at 7 p.m. Be there! And keep in touch with us on Facebook: judaspriestessfans and on Instagram: @judas_priestess. Thank you for reading this!
-by Darren Paltrowitz