Maltese metal fans will have their work cut out for them trying to remember all the names of local bands vying for the top heavy spot, but ClubMurder is definitely one of the acts that have managed to stick out for the last decade.

ClubMurder’s third album offers an insight into the self destructive tendencies of modern day society. And after listening to the album I can confidently say… we’re fucked.

“The album is about what we hate most in the world today. From backstabbing politicians to the state of outrage culture and mainstream music today, which takes no effort and is just a rip off.”

Massacre Masterpiece is the third full length album by the local five-piece (Lorenz Wenzu Joyce, David Depasquale, Paul Gafa, Keith Falzon and Steve ‘Cannibaal’) and features 43 minutes of straight up sonic aggression. From its opening track ObliterHate to fan favourites Viral and King of The Kill, ClubMurder don’t believe in gently easing you into an album, but instead prefer to just assault your ears with eight string guitar riffs, deep vocal growls and facemelting breakdowns. 

Many weren’t sure what to expect from the band after they parted ways with long-time vocalist Digby earlier this year, but the change in lineup doesn’t seem to have phased the band in the slightest.

Recorded at SPINESPLITTER Studio and mixed by David Depasquale, Massacre Masterpiece truly lives up to the second word of its name. The combination of great production, outstanding musicianship and the same creative vision that has driven the band’s sound since day one makes it almost impossible to find any fault with the album.

Of course it wouldn’t be a ClubMurder album without the use of their signature electronics and samples, courtesy of Keith Falzon’s turntable work. Drawing inspiration from early nu-metal days, the use of turntables is tastefully scattered throughout the album and adds an element of groove that complements their heavy sound nicely.

Despite its dystopian vibe, though, Massacre Masterpiece isn’t all doom and gloom. 

“We all love video games so we decided to take a small break from all the hate and wrote a song about video games,”  the band told Lovin Malta. “It’s the one good vibes track on the album, even though it is a song about raging.”

It’s clear that ClubMurder have drawn inspiration from the likes of Slipknot, Whitechapel, Meshuggah… and some more Slipknot. This is most definitely the case wit the opening track ObliterHate which feels very similar to 74261700002, the opening track off Slipknot’s self titled album.

Massacre Masterpiece is more than just another album released by another Maltese metal band.

Since rising to prominence, ClubMurder have become one of the most popular bands on the island, and albums like Massacre Masterpiece are now becoming the standard for what we can expect from local bands in the future. 

And with the standards these guys are setting, our next generation of musicians might really have to step up their game!

Photo Credit: Babanov Photography 

What do you think of the new ClubMurder album? Let us know in the comments below!

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