COMPILATION REPORT: Ultra Metal (Monitor, 1990)

Back in the 1980/90s – a time when underground metal wasn’t just a click away – buying compilation albums was a fun and affordable method for discovering new music. As introductions to specific styles or scenes – some of which otherwise remained restricted to the tape trading community – they’re the perfect option. Also, compilations occasionally featured alternate takes or tracks that couldn’t be found on the albums proper. Ultra Metal serve both functions; presenting the then current state of Czechoslovakian underground metal and offering exclusive versions of specific songs.

(more…)

2 Comments

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Master’s Hammer – Live in Prague, 13th June 2017

Master’s Hammer played their first live show in over twenty five years recently at the Futurum bar in Prague this June. Most of the set, which entirely consisted of tracks from Ritual, was filmed by Tomáš Havránek who uploaded it to his Youtube channel. The performances are excellent and energetic so fans of the band should watch it. Word of warning, the presence of nude models makes this not safe for American workplaces in contrast to the Cronenbergian imagery our staff loves.

(more…)

7 Comments

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Master’s Hammer to Play Bjorgvin Black Mass 2017

Legendary Czech black metal originators Master’s Hammer are playing this years Bjorgvin Black Mass in Bjorgvin, Norway. This is Master’s Hammer’s first indoor live set in over a quarter century. The band is exclusively playing their early, metal material such as Ritual. Enslaved is also playing an exclusive Vikingligr Veldi anniversary show. Scandinavian black metal fans should check this out.

(more…)

2 Comments

Tags: , , , , , , ,

Master’s Hammer – Ritual (1991)

Master's Hammer - Ritual

Ritual is the pinnacle of the Central European black metal style characterized by continuing the riffing tradition of traditional heavy metal and strict adherence to speed metal song structure; Hellhammer, Mercyful Fate, Slayer, and even Megadeth influences are easily heard along with Bartók’s folkishness and Chopin’s romanticism. While their compatriots Root presaged the Hellenic scene, Master’s Hammer’s operatic use of the mellotron inspired the divergent atmosphere Emperor employed on In the Nightside Eclipse.

(more…)

11 Comments

Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Classic reviews:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z