Death metal pioneers Master will embark on a European tour this spring, with support from the Linz-based band SLOOW. The tour, announced earlier this month, will see the Czech Republic-based band performing across multiple countries, continuing a career that began in Chicago, Illinois in 1983.
Founded by Paul Speckmann, Master is considered one of the earliest bands to define the death metal genre. After relocating to Uherské Hradiště in the Czech Republic, the band has maintained a consistent presence in the underground metal scene, releasing numerous albums and touring internationally. Speckmann, born September 28, 1963, continues to lead the band, writing and performing vocals and bass.
The band’s latest studio album, released in 2024, is their fifteenth, and has been described as a “brutal, high-octane sonic assault.” Speckmann has also been involved in several other projects throughout his career, including Death Strike and Abomination, according to interviews and band histories.
SLOOW, the supporting act, released their third album in 2025 and has previously shared the stage with established death metal bands such as Obituary, Incantation, and Disbelief. Markus Matzinger of Doom Studios described SLOOW as delivering “Antisocial riffing, stabbing heavy parts and blast beats. Nothing more to add. Killer!”
According to a recent interview with Speckmann, the current Master lineup includes guitarist Alex Nejezchleba, Peter Bajci, and Speckmann himself. Bajci previously played with Master in 2010 and rejoined the band in February 2022 after performing with other Czech bands. Speckmann indicated he is still handling booking for the band but hopes to find a dedicated booker to manage the logistics of touring, noting the financial challenges of maintaining a viable touring schedule at age 60.
Speckmann also confirmed plans for Death Strike performances, with the possibility of recording a live album featuring material from that project. The band’s tour schedule is currently being finalized, with dates and locations available on the band’s official website, speckmetal.net.
