Just after I’ve listened to ‘Master of Self’ for the second time, I come across the information that Hasen is also a member of Mahavatar which seems to make sense. Masterlast can be described as heavy metal with an underlying, dark sphere in it. Although the machines create the ambiance of the album, it’s all about the guitars when talking about the heavy component. Think of the melodic parts of Nashville Pussy with a fat heavy undertone and darker vocals.

 

Although I’ve heard nothing but good stories about this band I must advise you to listen to the album before making up your mind. I Ache is a logical opener and Wake up Today is the absolute highlight of the album with Arabic influences and a brilliant melodic breakdown but there is too much of a distinction between the first half of the record and the second. Whereas ideas on the first half seem to have been worked out more in detail, the second part seems to be full of fillers, songs you only want to have one or two of on an album. Highmax is actually a weird creation of dull screaming and a boring guitar loops whereas Shout Your Way Out is a real misfit for a final song. The attempt to slowly fade away is pretty bad.

 

Try to put your ears to this one and decide for yourself. I’m sure that a show of thirty minutes by Masterlast will be overwhelming but in the end, similar bands mostly support acts.