Kittie’s coming “In the Black”

These feisty feline females won’t be held back.

13 years ago, Morgan Lander began performing with her sister and two friends, Tanya Candler and Fallon Bowman. Their first official solo effort, SPiT, was released in 1999 and Kittie was thrust onto the mainstream heavy metal scene.

The last decade for them hasn’t been the easiest. Kittie is notorious for changing line-ups, and every album that they released had different contributing members.

After Tanya Candler’s departure, Fallon Bowman wanted to go in a new musical direction and Talena Atfield followed her. After bringing in Jennifer Arroyo and Lisa Marx to replace them, they too went their separate ways. Financial issues helped Marx and Arroyo’s decisions, bringing Trish Doan and Tara McLeod into the band.

Kittie eventually formed their own label (X Of Infamy), but recently signed with E1 Music and brought in Ivy Vujic on bass. This brings us to their brand new album, In the Black.

In the Black, Kittie’s fifth album to date, is slated for release on September 15. Three songs have already invaded Kittie’s MySpace page; “Cut Throat,” “My Plague” and “Sorrow I Know.” During their 2008 tour Kittie performed these songs in select cities.

“Cut Throat” speaks for itself. Morgan Lander returns with her characteristic metal growls, and the chorus is sung softly but smacks you in the face with the last line, “this is cut throat!” Additionally, it contains elements of “Slow Motion” and “This Too Shall Pass” from their last release, Funeral for Yesterday.

Rougher still is “My Plague,” and it’s reminiscent of the no-nonsense, screaming-your-face-off anthem “Never Again.” It’s got a similar bass line and tune, but the guitar work is more advanced and the vocals are faster. Trying to keep up with Morgan Lander’s vocals is like trying to out-throw Ben Rothelisberger.

It ain’t gonna happen too easily.

A new album usually brings new live performances, and Kittie’s MySpace page is chock full of upcoming tour dates. Though most of the shows don’t come up until late September, Kittie earned a spot in the 2009 Altered Skin Revolution concert in Saginaw, Michigan back on August 1.

Soak it up, Kittie fans; they’re rearing their claws again and you’d better be ready for ’em.