COMPRAR – Among the Seeds of Death | Metal Army Records
SOURCE – Among the Seeds of Death will be released more than 40 years after Master was formed. Throughout this time, you have not only been a masterclass in death metal, but also in career management and selling your own merchandise, while refusing to let record labels exploit you. Beyond being a new album, what does Among the Seeds of Death represent to you and to the band’s career at this particular moment?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – In all honesty, brother, it’s just another album for me!
The album will be released in October, on the 20th, I believe, just in time for the Napalm Death tour! I purposely had to get the entire thing ready in time for the tour! This will be the first time since the debut album in 1990 that we will have a release ready on time for a tour, so I suppose it’s a milestone in that respect!
SOURCE – The production of an album is an extensive process. Could you explain how the production of Among the Seeds of Death unfolded?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – Obviously, we begin by practising one song at a time, and unfortunately for guitarist Alex Nejezchleba and me, it’s quite a process, as drummer Peter Bajci has another life, as he runs his own company and is quite busy regularly!
Then add the fact that we are playing and touring regularly, so it takes a bit of time to get all the arrangements done! Thankfully, Shaark studio is in the same building where we rehearse, so at least this part is easy!
So, after nearly a year, it’s time to record! Recording goes rather quickly, in a few days most of the time! Most of the time is spent making corrections, finding strange sounds that maybe no one will hear, but I hear. This takes a bit of work!
Mixing and mastering are done by Pavel Hlavica! Alex also has a great ear for music, and this time he didn’t like the master, so it was mastered again, and I think it came out much better the second time! This time I used a ’70s Acoustic 320 solid-state bass amp I bought online from Germany. I used to have the cabinets from this brand in the early eighties. Sadly, I sold them for some JBL double-scoop PA bins for my bass sound!
It’s a completely different-sounding record from the past many years! Sometimes it’s cool to do things differently instead of using the same sound and formula over and over.
So, I am certainly proud of this record, sir!
SOURCE – One detail on the cover of Among the Seeds of Death that caught my attention was the inclusion of a mitre (the ceremonial headwear traditionally worn by Catholic bishops). Was including this object the band’s idea or the artist’s?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – Richard Schouten added this wonderful hat to the painting! I sent him a few songs with the title, and he went with it. No AI bullshit for Master releases! Real art is the only way! I have always been anti-religious. The Pope and all his minions are stealing money from their so-called flock and living like kings until they die, and then the appointment of another continues throughout history. All religions are a farce. All the molestation in the church must be stopped! Sick perverts using an organization to hide their crimes!
SOURCE – Among the Seeds of Death will be the second studio album to be released by Hammerheart Records, a partnership that seems to have worked very well. Hammerheart is doing a fine job with the recordings of the latest music, as well as the reissuing of the entire back catalogue on CD?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – As well as reissuing them all on vinyl every year, a few at a time! Thankfully, the label has helped bring life into the band, as well as the MAD booking agency in Germany!
SOURCE – Although producing music videos has become more financially accessible nowadays, Master does not usually release music videos to promote its albums. Is there any specific reason for this?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – I don’t want to waste the time or money on such nonsense!
SOURCE – Although you have maintained a sense of unity and a consistent musical direction across the 15 studio albums you have recorded, which album do you believe stands apart from the others in the band’s career?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – All albums have a time and a place in the history of the band, and heart and soul were shared in the recordings.
So, it would be impossible to pick a favourite! Fans have favourites; I could care less, as opinions are like assholes — everyone has one!
SOURCE – If I am not mistaken, you have toured Brazil seven times, with the first visit taking place in 2010 and the most recent one in 2026. During this period, how would you assess the evolution of Brazil’s infrastructure and its ability to accommodate the kind of tour Master usually undertakes?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – We have toured there about eight times, and yes, improvements are there, of course! The clubs are better; the band always has a great time and gets a great response, especially when working with professional bookers!
Sometimes, even as recently as a few years back, things can be difficult. Thankfully, we have reconnected with Tiago Claro and TC7 Bookings again! This last tour was excellent in the spring of this year!
SOURCE – I still remember when you sent me Abomination’s first album along with an interview for my old photocopied fanzine, SOURCE. Even today, Abomination’s debut album remains one of my favourite albums. Is there any possibility of a new Abomination release or a tour?
Paul Speckmann (Bass, Vocals) – Guitarist Dean Chioles died years ago, sadly, and Aaron no longer plays, so most likely it will never happen. But never say never, as I was the chief writer of all that music, so maybe, brother!
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