"Master Stroke" is the debut full-length studio album by Canadian speed/thrash metal act Outbreak. The album was released through Pro Canada Side in 1986. Outbreak formed in 1984 and released the "Metal Reïch" demo in 1985. They flirted with nazi symbolism and lyrics, but I´m not so sure they meant it that seriously. Just take a look at their band photos from that time and their ridiculous stage names like Morgen Panzer and Kaizer Fist.
So their image may have been a bit out there and ridiculous and some of their lyrics a bit offensive, but when that is said these guys can play and sing, and there´s nothing ridiculous about the actual music. Outbreak are a very well playing band and lead vocalist/keyboard player Kaizer Fist has a strong voice, and a rusty screamy delivery. "Master Stroke" is not a particularly professionally produced release, and this at times sound more like a demo recording than a studio album recording, but the band still manage to get their point across and produce some powerful, intriguing, and memorable songs.
The album features eight tracks and a total playing time of 48:14 minutes, so there´s plenty of quantity, and most tracks are also pretty long. The shortest being 4:41 minutes long and the longest being 7:29 minutes long. So the tracks aren´t just your regular vers/chorus structured speed/thrash metal tracks. Sometimes I hear nods towards more epic heavy metal like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. I even hear a bit of Mercyful Fate here and there, so this is actually a pretty diverse release, and in addition to the powerful playing rhythm section, and the skilled vocal performance from Mr. Fist, you´ll find loads of sharp heavy metal/speed/thrash metal riffs and very well thought out and well performed lead guitar work.
I would have loved to give "Master Stroke" a higher rating, but it honestly sounds like it was recorded in the next room and the volumes are set completely wrong, with only the vocals standing out in the mix. It´s one murky, strange sounding album, and therefore I can´t give more than a 3 star (60%) rating. But if you can live with the sub par sound quality, I promise you that the material featured on the album is of a high quality.
