Master Splinter - Master Splinter - Album Review - 90s Heavy Rock from Portland, Oregon, USA
Another afternoon under a gray, cloudy sky, I am writing my review while taking my daily walk outside. Master Splinter, hailing from Portland, Oregon, and their self-titled debut studio album which was released independently on September 20th, 2024, has been my focus during this week.
Master Splinter - A Caustic Version (Official Lyric Video)
To begin with, Master Splinter has left a clear mark in my memory for its production standards and music style. Although I experienced the record in different moods and environments numerous times this week, my attention has always been on the general picture rather than any details. So right now, I feel that I have a clear idea of the American collective and what they are trying to achieve with their approach.
The foundations of Master Splinter go back to the late 80s and early 90s, incorporating heavy rock influences from Metallica with the psychedelics of Black Sabbath, including a twist of stoner rock, and even a bit of sludge metal. Those into heavy music will have a familiar experience while listening to this record, just as I did. It took me back to the times when I used to jam such music with my friends every week during high school. That was when I fell in love with this kind of music, which changed everything for me.
Production-wise, Master Splinter is an album made up of pieces from different periods, individuals, and producers, which can be felt while listening. Although the songs have a cohesive musical theme from start to finish, I sensed differences in the vocal mix, dynamics, and track volumes.
Moreover, I read that the band went through challenges, and in the end, the guitarist and vocalist Mick Arrell had to learn how to produce and mix this album himself.
Lastly, the album's theme of heavy, psychedelic, and stoner rock influences—as mentioned earlier—is reminiscent of Metallica’s Load/Reload/Garage Inc. periods with its approach to song compositions, toning, and general sound characteristics. The music is mainly led by the guitars in a Western/American musical language, accompanied by a drummer who brings prog and psychedelic vibes, and a bass player who also contributes to vocals. The trio, without a doubt, has a dynamic altogether, which you can easily tell by their choice of music style and from checking out some of their rehearsal videos uploaded to YouTube.
On the other side of the coin, I might argue a few points as someone who has worked on such music for a long time.
Firstly, Master Splinter proves something for the collective, yet not for the outside world due to two reasons: limited musical language and a familiar sound. Although everything was done by the book in the making, it lacks personal characterization, aesthetics, and the artistic edge that will help distinguish the band and help them grow. As a musician and music enthusiast, I would enjoy listening to a passionate band playing such music live, yet I would not prefer listening to the record for the reasons I mentioned.
The general sound character of the album does not entirely belong to Master Splinter. It has such a familiar quality that it does no longer matter if the band is playing their original material or a classic like Master of Puppets, the feeling is the same. In 2024, this kind of record will provide the collective with an foundation, but does not help revealing their potentials. This was the main reason why I did not feel the urge to dive deeper into the album.
The musical language, on the other hand, also contributed to the sense of familiarity, reminding me of Clutch, Black Sabbath, and Metallica as mentioned earlier. However, as a guitar player myself, I could not make out enough fresh ideas from this record to feel the need to keep listening.
If I were their producer for an upcoming album, I would strongly suggest working on a sound that highlights their personalities, and then the individual strengths. They are a live-playing band, so their music should crafted accordingly.
In conclusion, Master Splinter is a well-produced debut that will certainly appeal to fans of classic heavy rock and stoner metal. While the album offers a nostalgic trip through familiar sounds, apparently the band is still in search of their own voice. Nonetheless, it’s a solid foundation for what I hope will be a more distinctive and adventurous future. Thank you for reading.
Master Splinter on the Web:
