by James Christopher Monger

Canadian metal goddesses Kittie bury the past on the aptly titled Funeral for Yesterday, their fourth release and first for their own X of Infamy Records. Siblings Morgan and Mercedes Lander once again rotate out bass and guitar duties, enlisting newcomers Tara McLeod and Trish Doan to help spread the good word. First off, Morgan has ditched her death metal purr for a slicker croon that will likely divide longtime Kittie fans into warring camps, but the group has lost none of its raucous intensity, rather this new direction suits them in a way that indicates actual growth. The title track is catchy, brutal and succinct with an air of confidence that mirrors the group's newfound independence (and the tribulations that preceded it), and the slightly slicker production, courtesy of Jack Ponti (Bon Jovi, Skid Row, Alice Cooper) never feels manufactured. Fans looking for the cat they used to know and love will find her on the hard-hitting "Never Again" and "Witch Hunt," two of Funeral's strongest cuts, but overall this new "Morgan the Siren" sounds more confident and self-assured than the old "Morgan the Impaler." [Funeral for Yesterday is also available with a bonus DVD.]