Master’s Hammer – Maldorör Disco

Master’s Hammer was formed in 1987 in the former Czechoslovakia (Prague natives). Over time, they have developed a special blend of black metal and experimental electronic music. During the four-decade long career, the active periods were rare but intense. On the other hand, Maldorör Disco operates as a karaoke duo consisting of František Štorm and Kamil Princ. In the summer of 2025, the members of Master’s Hammer, namely Jan Kapák and Necrocock, joined the idea of recording an album of the same name – combining electronic fusion with post-metal experimentation. Quite unique idea, even for a band of Master’s Hammer’s history and reputation!

The Czeck masters of oddity and weirdness returned at the end of 2025 with their new album, a highly anticipated ninth album, entitled Maldorör Disco. The album, released via Darkness Shall Rise Productions, consists of 10 tracks, mainly driven by synths, keyboards and drum machines, with guitars playing only a supporting role. However, there are still moments where the guitars come through, like on the tracks as “Bochnatky” and “El Teide”, but these moments are rare. The vocals are rather theatrical, inspired by surrealism, ranging from harsh black metal shouts to spoken-word oddities and even a clean female backing vocals. It helps adding this sinister, yet comical, theatrical and varied atmosphere.

Maldorör Disco is a danceable keyboard-driven record that often resembles a mix of 80s synth-wave, industrial techno metal and a ‘freak show’ (similar to Kraftwerk, KMFDM, Ministry, Rammstein, Sisters of Mercy, Samael, Heldmaschine and other industrial bands) that will certainly polarize the long-time (black metal) fans. “Bicycle Day” is my favorite/standout, experimental and instrumental-heavy track on Maldorör Disco, mainly because it’s featuring a White Zombie-like chug amidst chaotic and acid-influenced soundscapes. The cover art features a bizarre, dancing ‘half-dead Frankenstein disco-zombie’ themed around body modification, reflecting the album’s chaotic, theatrical and innovative nature.

Maldorör Disco is band’s most experimental and innovative record yet, a polarizing, avant-garde mix of dark electro-pop, industrial, and minimal metal that abandons traditional black metal for synthesizers and eccentric. In other words, Maldorör Disco isn’t for everyone, and I am afraid most black metal fans will dislike it. On the other hand, listeners who enjoy avant-garde metal, industrial and experimental electronic music might find it enjoyable and listenable. This is unfortunately not the case for me, still I suggest to give it a listen, and visit it’s bandcamp for further information on this theatrical/surrealistic/experimental/ danceable opus and do your own judgement.

In the meantime, see & hear the brand-new video for “Anděl Slizu” (transl. ‘Angel of Slime’) serving as a catchy, keyboard-driven opening track featuring contrasting, aggressive, and theatrical vocals) at Darkness Shall Rise Productions‘ official YouTube channel below.