There have been quite a few metal bands that have survived the test of time but do not have the appreciation they deserve and Master is definitely one. Formed originally in Chicago (they are now in Czech Republic), they have been making death metal since 1983 a few years before Possessed or Death and impressingly enough they are still going strong today. Master started out slow, but in recent years they have been averaging a new album every other year. “The New Elite” is their eleventh full length album and they show no signs of slowing down.

I would suggest this thrashy death metal band to any metal fan who enjoys their music extreme. Master has accomplished with three members what many bands have been unable to do with five members. Influenced by Slayer, Venom and Motorhead, they have a very heavy thrash sound. Vocalist Paul Speckmann greatly reminds me of Tom Warrior, the vocalist of Celtic Frost. Master has also greatly matured with age, unlike many death metal bands. In this respect, I would compare Master to Death. Just like Chuck Shuldiner and company greatly evolved from “Scream Bloody Gore”, so has Master from their debut release. Master’s lyrics definitely show the thrashy pissed off side with themes of politics, death and religion. A great example of this is from Smile As You’re Told, “Commanders are just put in place, the soldiers are easily blamed. The governments feed the machine as taxpayers simply complain.” www.metal-temple.com

Formed in the fall of 2012, Age of Ares is quickly becoming a favored band. Age of Ares has played with national acts including Lamb of God, Killswitch Engage, Teastament, Huntress, Chimaira, Vital Remains and have shared the stage with Hate Storm Annihilation on multiple occasions. Their hit song Plagues was featured on the radio station 105.5 The Kat. Age of Ares is preparing for their tour coming up in April of 2014 in which they will be traveling with Bloodsoaked on the Consuming Europe tour, immediately after that opening for the legendary MASTER on the “North American Witch Hunt Tour!”

Emerging from the darkness, Hate Storm Annihilation comes hailing from Chicago Illinois to bring the people the Death Metal that we have to offer!

Purge was formed in Chicago in late 2006. It all began when guitarist/ vocalist Bernardo “Burns” Mendia crossed paths with drummer Rob Martin. The two were very ambitious and determined to create a buzz in the local area. Just a few months later, at only age 16, they quickly released a 5 song demo “Simply Gorgastic”. The released was a huge success and they soon became known by locals and all over Myspace for their sheer brutality at such a young age! In early 2007 the lineup was complete acquiring Bill Russell on bass and Josh Wheelock on rhythm guitar. Now, establishing their sound with brutal speeds and bone crushing breakdowns, the band was ready to take it to the next level.

They immediately began performing live all over northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin playing with big names such as Cannibal Corpse, Satyricon, The Faceless, Cradle of Filth, Obscura and many more. Purge was also featured in 2009 Blasphemer Festival. Soon after they released another demo featuring they’re hit song “The Urge to Purge” as well as “Artistic Torture”. Purge was really beginning to create a name for themselves in Chicago land catching the attention of Pit Magazine and Rebel Access TV. Unfortunately, in early 2009 the band decided to take a break for personal and financial reasons.

In early 2012 Purge reformed, re-releasing their hit single “The Urge to Purge”, determined to move up. The band quickly began playing shows all over Chicago land to re-establish their name, performing with reputable bands like Deicide, Nile, Cannibal Corpse, Decrepit Birth, Job for a Cowboy, Between the Buried and Me and many more, not to mention being a part of Summer Slaughter Fest 2012 in Milwaukee, WI. Purge is also regularly played on Rebel Radio, The Kat 105.5 WKAN and Max Ink Radio! Having just released their new EP “Beyond The Unknown”, Purge is determined to crush the metal scene with technical guitar passages racing across the fret board and rumbling break downs sure to melt off anyone’s face. PURGE is now stronger than ever, stunning audiences with their raw energy, insane riffs and professional musicianship. This band is guaranteed blow you away!