Master's Hammer was a black metal band from the Czech Republic. They were from a
time just before the Scandinavian sound came to be the be all and end all of the genre. This band has more in common with
Tormentor, Imperator, Samael and Rotting Christ. I got into this relatively late, as it wasn't something that was common among
people I've met. In truth, I rarely ever hear anyone talking about this band, at all. Ritual is the first full-length
by this band, though they were around for many years prior to releasing this. Many seem to have the misconception that black metal all sounds the same. In the
early days, there was quite a variety. Even by the early 90s, there was still distinctive qualities between different bands.
It was after the explosion of the Norwegian scene that the later bands decided that they must focus only on these influences.
However good the early Norwegian bands were, that sound does not encompass all that black metal is. The album begins with an intro, suitable for a horror score. This helps to establish
an obscure atmosphere and leads into the first song, "Pád Modly". Immediately, one can sense the old school metal influences.
The riffs are absolutely brilliant and this oozes metal. The vocals are completely different from anything I've ever heard,
maintaining a very distinct style. Surely, the Czech language adds to this. There is such power and feeling in the music and
the vocals. This is epic and the memorable riffs will continue to haunt the dark recesses of your brain for some time. "Každý Z Nás" continues in the same vein, while remaining entirely distinct.
Still present are faint keyboards, used to accentuate the atmosphere, not create it. Master's Hammer manages to sound evil
as Hell without a grim or minimalist approach to songwriting. This is filled with metallic power, much like the early black
metal albums. The next song is the instrumental title track, "Ritual" which features brilliant
thrash riffs and is like a mini-epic, similar in feel to Mercyful Fate. This is meant to be listened to at full volume. If
this doesn't inspire you to set fire to a nun and defile her as she burns alive, then something is wrong with you. "Geniové" is a bit different, featuring some chanting. This song gives the feeling
of being on a long journey, with no end in sight. Perhaps riding through the mountains on a black horse, tired and covered
in the blood of your enemies. All that you possess is your sword and a canvas bag full of their heads. "Černá Svatozář" is next and begins with a thrashy build-up. This is one
of the most perfect black metal albums recorded. Surely, they had many years to work on these songs. Far from being raw, the
sound is powerful and the production is rather clear. In this case, it suits the music well. By this song, one begins to wonder
how each song can truly stand out so much. There is no filler on this album. The epic, thrashy riffs and frantic vocals are
joined by a killer solo, near the end of the song. The next song is "Věčný Návrat", which begins with a wall of razor-like
thrash riffs that assault the listener as the manic vocals soon join in. This song contains another wicked solo that is somewhat
reminiscent of the theme from the Twilight Zone. The assault doesn't let up as "Jáma Pekel" is as fast and unrelenting as
the previous song. This song, especially the chorus, has an anthemic quality to it. The guitar solo, at the end, is a nice
touch as well. "Zapálili Jsme Onen Svět" begins with a darker riff than the previous songs.
As the drums and insane vocals come in, the the song slowly builds up in a great piece of nightmarish black metal. This blasts
right through the gates of Hell and casts you at the feet of Satan himself. "Vykoupení" is one of the last stops before the Ritual nears its completion.
This song begins with only a sorrowful guitar riff and sparse drumming, before the rest joins in. For a brief moment, it gave
the impression of being stranded at the top of a lonely mountain, in utter darkness, calling out into the shadows. The vocals
and the guitar melodies have an extra sense of desperation and sickness. There is a sense of tension created with the guitar
melodies that is well suited for building toward the end of the album. Ritual ends with the masterpiece, "Útok". Even on an album filled with such
great songs, this one manages to stand out as quite exceptional. It begins with a brief bass riff before everything else kicks
in. The riffs here are even darker than the rest. This morbid epic is like a funeral dirge, at times, and contains some of
the best melodies of the whole album. The vocals are inhuman and anguished, really reaching a climax with this song. There
is almost a touch of real insanity in there. At times, it is reminiscent of Chopin's "Funeral March". This album is as much metal as it is black, something that is often avoided in recent
years. Master's Hammer created something majestic and unique here and it is a shame that they fell into decline shortly after
this. However, nothing will take away from this monumental album. Seek this out, at any cost. (6 Nov. 2008)
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