Master [USA]
The New Elite
2012
Full Length
Pulverised Records
Death Metal
Paul Speckmann has proven himself over the years to be a legend in the underground death metal scene, yet it is rather ironic that I have never really thought of checking out the releases that Master has put out over the years, and the only Speckmann-related release that I have heard is the excellent death/thrash, pre-Master outfit Death Strike. This year sees the band release yet another brand new album, their 11th in almost 30 years of their history, and their second full length release under Pulverised Records. My only exposure to Paul Speckmann's work on Death Strike has certainly got me excited for my first Master encounter as well.
Almost expecting traditional death metal, it is rather surprising then as The New Elite opens with the rather punk-infused title track, and Master on this displays a more thrashy influence in their songwriting which lasts for the most part of the album. There is an almost fun-filled and light-hearted atmosphere in the music, what with the d-beat influenced drumming of Zdenek and the lead guitar lines and solos of Alex that are littered throughout the album. Riffs on songs such as Rise Up and Fight especially display the thrash metal influences that the band have incorporated in the execution of the music as well, and this certainly adds a nice touch, with most of the album seeing the band moving at breakneck speed and without much effort the band manages to get the listener to bang his head along to their infectious brand of death metal.
At the same time though, Speckmann contrasts this and brings in the serious side of the band with his harsh and aggressive vocals, spitting out the lyrics with hatred and anger. Of course, one cannot forget the social commentary that can be found in the lyrical contents on the album, with songs like Rise Up and Fight encouraging listeners to "get up and fight the machine". Alongside the thrashy material, there are also those that are just straight-up old school death metal complete with furious trem-picked riffs such as those on Remove the Knife which just screams out pure old-school and hatred.
While Master's 2010 release The Human Machine was a considerably heavier and more intense record compared to The New Elite, it does not mean that the band has taken a step backwards. Rather, The New Elite serves to display the constant growth of the band and is a record that instantly catches the attention of the listener, all the while managing to retain the old-school touch that allows for Master to retain their reputation as one of the best out of the death metal underground.
Master on the internet:
Official website
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