Master Charger – Posthumous Resurrection
Octopus Rising/Argonauta Records
Release date: 02/05/2025
Running time: 55 mins approx
Review by: Alun Jones
9/10
This is a tough review to write. It’s tough, because I need to write around 400 words about this release – but all I need to say, really, is something like “do not miss this awesome new album by Master Charger, it’s great”. There’s nothing else that needs to be said. So, let’s see if I can pad that out for another few hundred words, shall we?
Yes indeed, the new release from Midlands, UK based Doom Lords, the one and only Master Charger. I’ve been anxiously waiting for this to drop, as I became a convert to their cause when I saw these filth hounds live at Pentre Fest a while back. Superb band. An unholy amalgamation of Sludgey Doom and fuzzy Stoner with a heart-warming affection for Blues based Rock’n’Roll, I’m proud to wear the T-shirt and be an advocate for this three-piece from hell.
We start with the rumbling, echoey drums of ‘Thy Kingdom Polluted’, which is quickly adorned by dirty, fuzzy guitars and trippy wah-wah lead. The riifs have groove and it’s easy to get dragged along and nod that head. ‘Only My Eyes See, Empires Rust’ follows this with a colossal doom riff that fries your brain, then it’s off on a ten minute plus odyssey with the title track. Passing through different sections, this monster is the evil offspring of Sabbath and Cathedral.
After all that full on Doom Metal savagery, even I could do with a little break. And that respite is gifted to us in the form of ‘Fallen Angel Painted Doll’, an instrumental track that begins with some quite beautiful acoustic guitar. Starting just like those genius Tony Iommi mellow moments on the early Sabbath albums, though this grows into full band folky ramble complete with harmonica. Perfect.
Before long we’re back in real business though: ‘When Hell Rode In’ and ‘Head Into The Sun’ sound like a Satanic ZZ Top jamming Venom songs. Freaky acid tipped wah-wah heralds the start of ‘The Awakening’, which grows into another filthy groover. ‘Mass Produced Mass Destroyed’ keeps on bringing the heavy, a brutal track that conjures ideas of both legendary Black bands, Sabbath and Flag.
Finally, ‘Upon Roads Less Travelled’ cools things down – a short but classy instrumental that is the calm after the storm. “Posthumous Resurrection” reaches its finale, and what a ride it’s been. Visceral, muscley Doom Metal with outrageous riffs, thoughtfully composed variations – all the promises are delivered on, tenfold. The only slight issue here is the lack of a vinyl release, which is patently criminal with an album this good. But Master Charger have given us a killer album – another one for the end of year Best Of list. Go buy it, NOW.
There you go, over 500 words – no problem. Reviews are easy when the music is this good.
Check out Master Charger on Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.
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