Czech Republic-based outfit Master, often regarded as the Motörhead of death metal, continues their legacy with their fourteenth album, Saints Dispelled. This release reaffirms their status as one of the pioneers of death/thrash metal, and the band’s commitment to the genre’s raw intensity is evident from start to finish.

Track by track, Saints Dispelled delivers a relentless onslaught of classic death metal elements. The album kicks off with Destruction in June, setting the tone with pounding drums, merciless riffing, and Paul Speckmann‘s trademark hideous vocals. The unrelenting pace continues through Walk in the Footsteps of Doom and the title track Saints Dispelled further showcasing Master’s mastery in crafting high-octane, chest-crushing death metal.

The production quality is top-notch, allowing each instrument to shine while maintaining the raw, gritty essence of the genre. Peter Bajci‘s pounding drums, the aggressive riffing of Aleš Nejezchleba and Speckmann’s visceral vocals and bellowing bass collectively create a sonic assault that demands attention. The album’s energy is palpable, and it’s evident that Master has not lost their touch over the years.

Minds Under Pressure and Find Your Life continue the ferocity, demonstrating the band’s ability to consistently deliver fast-paced brutality. Marred and Diseased showcases the relentless nature of Master’s sound, while The Wiseman and The Wizard of Evil further solidify the album’s position as a relentless and punishing force for sonic evil in the death metal realm.

As the album progresses with Nomads and Alienation of Insanity, Master maintains their signature style, providing a cohesive listening experience. The band’s decades-long expertise is apparent in their tight musicianship and well-crafted compositions.

Saints Dispelled is not an album for the faint-hearted. It is an unapologetic, in-your-face assault on the senses that epitomises the traditional values of old-school death/thrash metal. The album’s intensity is sustained from start to finish, making it a standout release not only for fans of Master but also for those who appreciate the raw and ravenous nature of the genre.

In conclusion, this album is a testament to Master’s unwavering dedication to the cause of death metal. The album showcases the band’s ability to stay true to their roots while continuing to evolve within the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Master’s discography, this album is a wholehearted recommendation for anyone who revels in the unbridled aggression of old-school death/thrash metal.

Saints Dispelled releases on January 19th