Monday, December 15, 2025

Master | Spirit Of The West | Hammerheart Records (Reissue)


Release Date: January 23rd, 2026
Format: Vinyl
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA

Master was formed in the early 1980s and stands among the original architects of death metal. Led by Paul Speckmann since day one, the band has followed a long road of constant touring and releases, keeping its sound rooted in underground values while addressing real world themes. Decades later, Master remains active and visible, driven by persistence more than trends.

“Spirit Of The West” arrives as one of the most varied chapters in the Master catalog. Death metal sits at the core, but it shares space with thrash metal speed, punk attitude, and unexpected stylistic turns. The album sounds rough around the edges in a deliberate way, favoring energy and message over decoration. This approach matches the long standing character of the band and keeps the focus on songs that speak plainly.


Several tracks underline this range without breaking the album’s identity. “You’ll Be Blamed” and “Sign Up” push fast thrash driven ideas with Speckmann’s destintive vocal delivery. “The Serpents Tongue” and “Whatever, Wherever, Forever” stay closer to traditional death metal pacing and structure. “Rights Of Life” and “Envy” bring out a punk influenced aggression that recalls late 80s extreme metal without turning nostalgic.

“Another Day In Phoenix” adds a different vocal approach and becomes one of the album’s most talked about moments. “Pistols, Whiskey And Coyotes (The Spirit Of The West)” introduces a darker rock and metal crossover flavor that fits the album’s theme surprisingly well. The Johnny Cash cover “Ring Of Fire” closes the release in an unexpected way, underlining the album’s willingness to step outside strict genre borders.

“Spirit Of The West” does not aim for refinement or technical display. Its strength lies in attitude, variety, and Speckmann’s ongoing need to comment on life and society through heavy music. For longtime followers, this album offers something familiar mixed with enough twists to keep attention high. For newer listeners, it presents a clear view of what Master represents in extreme metal history.

Score: 7.5

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