Master Massive – White Shadows

Master Massive
White Shadows
Label: Fireflash Records (Distribution: Edel)
Out: 10^th July 2026
Playing time: 46:20

What a luxury – the band has no fewer than four singers. The press release describes Master Massive as a Swedish cult band. The band was founded by guitar virtuoso Jan Strandh, who evidently also took on the vocal parts. However, it took a while for their debut album to be released. It wasn’t until May 2015 that ’The Pendulum’ was released. “Black Feathers On Their Graves’ followed in May 2020. After the compilation ’Time Out Of Mind’ (2022) and a few singles, the third full-length studio album ’White Shadows’ is now here – now featuring four singers, if you count Jan Strandh.

The monumental, almost twelve-minute-long ’Noah’s Cross’ provides an atmospheric and riff-heavy opening. Drummer Johan Hautajärvi sets the pace. After a brief break, the track takes a melodic turn. The high-pitched Metal vocals are accompanied by guitar melodies. It becomes clear later on that the band has several singers. Various changes in melody and rhythm provide variety. Added to this are repeated fast and intricate, at times frantic-sounding guitar passages. ‘Islands And Bells’ also open with heavy riffs. Then it quietens down, with the vocals underpinned by bass and subtle guitars. At least initially. However, it becomes heavier and a little faster at times. Here, too, the tempo changes provide plenty of variety. And another guitar solo. ‘Jonah And The Whale’ is more melodic from the beginning. With a driving rhythm. ‘Blood On The Floor’ is a stomping Metal anthem. On ‘Tantrum Rebellion’ the drums once again drive all the musicians forward, together with the fast riffs. ‘Silver Bullet’ is dominated by hard, fast riffs. The guitars are practically galloping and sound a bit off-key at times. The majestic anthem ‘White Shadows’ brings the album to an end.

‘White Shadows’ is a powerfully produced Metal album. The songwriting is varied. Some of the tracks have a strong Progressive edge. Alongside the vocalists, guitarist Jan Strandh in particular shines time and again. 

Master Massive – Jonah And The Whale: https://youtu.be/D0Zk2Cbtl1I?si=_IL6HRyVPNJMW3Om

Lineup:

Tony Niva – Vocals
Marcus ”Masken” Karlsson – Vocals
Viktor Gustafsson – Vocals
Jan Strandh – Guitar, Vocals
Max Warnby – Bass
Johan Hautajärvi – Drums

Track list:

• Noah’s Cross
• Islands And Bells
• Jonah And The Whale
• Blood On The Floor
• Tantrum Rebellion
• Silver Bullet
• White Shadows