The revitalized death metal scene has been something to talk about in the last couple of years, considering that many new bands are dropping the math and the glossiness in exchange for a much more direct and deadly approach. Master beat virtually everybody to the punch in anthropological terms; the material that became the first Master album in 1990 was mostly created six years prior, which effectively means that Paul Speckmann's brainchild was the first of its kind. Just about every track is a high-powered grabber, though the anxious tension of "Another Suicide" and relentless double-bass on "God of Thunder" (not the KISS song) are noteworthy standouts. Each song is designed for efficiency and efficacy, with plenty of punchy hooks and no filler or frills to break the momentum. Speckmann himself has rightfully called his music "caveman metal", though we're talking about the evolved variety that has already mastered fire and become a threat to the rest of the world. In all, this album is another good effort from one of the most durable, unkillable names in the pages of metal lore. If you like it fast, tough, and angry, then Master has exactly what you need. The witchhunt is on, and you might be next!