Master Charger - Origin of the Lugubrious

Hailing from the vibrant rock and metal scene in Mansfield, Master Charger are now on their third album and show no signs of slowing down. Having made their name across the live circuit on the same bills as the likes of Conan, Raging Speedhorn, Orange Goblin, Alunah, Monolord and Decapitated (to name but a few) as well as a triumphant headline set on the second stage of HRH Doom vs HRH Stoner in Sheffield a year ago, they are now well established as a distinctive stoner metal force. With clear influences from the classic slew of late 60s/early 70s hard rock and proto-metal bands, Master Charger groove, swing and punch to the gut amid snarling, sludgy vocals and guitars detuned to oblivion. Their most recent release prior to now was the 'One For Sorrow' EP from around 18 months ago, with its title track fast becoming a fan favourite. The band's first time recording as a power trio, it marked a noticeable step up in quality (and heaviness). On 'Origin', it seems that they have found themselves on a real run of form, continuing to work together well to devastating effect as they have somehow raised the bar once more. 

The album opens with an instrumental jam, full of Sabbathy doom and evil, that sets the tone for the rest of the album that the song is named after. In its short runtime, it shows off an impressive double-bass section from sticksman Jon Kirk, as well as the band's strong grasp on songwriting, as they cleverly drop the key in the final section of the song to create a truly menacing atmosphere. A sign of good things to come? You bet. 'Embers of the Sun' follows, with its distinctive 70s-style intro led by bassist Dave Hayes, and a catchy chorus that you find yourself singing along to by its second repeat. The song's midsection proves that Master Charger avoid falling into typical stoner metal cliches, with pounding drums and chugging guitar riffs that really show off their ear for aggression and will to induce raging fists and pumping blood. By now, 'Embers' is already well established in their live setlists, and it's no surprise that it was their lead single for the album. 

'Blood & Sand' exhibits Master Charger's more compositionally adventurous side, with key changes and evil-sounding tritone chords scattered throughout. It contains some of the album's most memorable riffing and is indisputable evidence that Master Charger are firing on all cylinders at the moment. 'Who The Hell Are You?' is a snarling, pissed off rager, but not without some real moments of melody, and highly impressive drum fills from Jon. It flows seamlessly into the doomy intro of 'Buried By Time and Dust'. Another exceptionally strong track, it sticks in the head of the listener like glue with its unmistakable verse rhythms and catchy chorus, spat out with venom by vocalist John James. It closes with a huge breakdown as heavy as a ten ton truck, daring us not to headbang along. 

'Our Time Has Come', to put it simply, rocks. The riffing is great fun and the more upbeat parts are reminiscent of the middle Ozzy-era Black Sabbath albums. After the darker, more metal-orientated moments in the album's middle, it allows 'Origin' to pace itself nicely as an LP. That's not to say that they've gone soft - when they slow things down over this track, it dooms hard. It leads nicely into 'Earthbound Hellbound', the album finale. The effects in John's guitar intro give an undeniable vibe of old-school psychedelia, before it launches into pure, unadulterated, groovy, headbang-y glory. Its riffs are infectious like a certain virus that's been going around and it injects a real dose of euphoria into the back end of the release. You can only imagine the neck pains when concerts are back on...

Master Charger's 'Satanic Blues Rumble' keeps rumbling on, and we all reap the benefits of a highly impressive third album. Most striking is how cohesive, focussed and well-delivered the seven tracks are, especially compared to their older material; you only wish that there were more! Produced by Robert James, it has a very 'live' feel, coming across as a little raw at times, although the energy of the band is well captured and the full range of Master Charger's sonic influences are done justice - from the bluesy rumble to the Satanic rumble. Overall, the guys have plenty to be proud of - if you're into stoner, doom and sludge, and especially if you're into your classic rock as well, do yourself a favour and play 'Origin of the Lugubrious' very, very loudly.

Thanks to the FatAngel team for sending this over - 'Origin of the Lugubrious' is out NOW on Stoned Rocka Recordings. This is actually the first album to be released on that label - buy it here

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MN