the death metal of Master

Master: "The Witchhunt” (FDA Rekotz)

As many old folks keep reminding us, Master is a foundational band in the history of death metal, present at the formative years of the genre in the 80s. In contrast to other old death metal bands, however, Master is not mentioned as much in the history of the style, although plenty of bands have been quick to point out that Master is part of their musical heritage, and correctly so.

Master is nothing if not reliable. Master would hate to disappoint. Master plays old-style death metal and that’s how things are going to stay. Like Motorhead, Slayer and Overkill, Master focuses on album after album of no-nonsense music. “The Witchhunt” finds Master possibly heavier, within the context of traditional, headbanging death metal. As usual, the lyrics urge critical, anti-capitalist thinking.

Master’s music does not sound “tiny” and “compact.” The drums do not sound like thousands of bands that are using the same drum samples. The double bass is not clicky and thin, it sounds solid and thick, and the difference is very noticeable. Instead of sounding like a keyboard going fast, the double bass drum sounds heavy. I don’t know if it is the real drums or sampled sounds, however.

As always, recommended for those into death metal in the old style. www.facebook.com/pages/Master/18521536017