Review by Adam M on April 22, 2012.

This is an excellent Sludge/Doom album that recalls the likes of many Southern and Thrash bands in combination. The songs cruise along at a brisk pace and the riffs throughout are as exciting and gripping as you could ever want. The best part of this album is that it sounds like a blend of different styles in a very interesting manner.

For example, you have the Sludge sound of something like Soilent Green combined with Thrash natures of both early Slayer and Celtic Frost. This makes for a potent concoction that has vitality and life. The album is consistent throughout, but some of the highlights include the exciting 'Parasitic Scriptures Of The Sacred Word' and the surprisingly Immortal sounding closer 'My Name Is Frightful Among The Believers'. Fans of Thrash will find pleasure in the riffs which contain more speed than what you might expect from a Soilent Green or Crowbar album. The release is still no masterpiece. The songs tend to sound a bit too similar overall, though there is certainly enough variation. The sound is also a bit grimy in the Southern style as is emphasized by the rough vocals, which some may find unappealing if it’s not to their tastes.

This is certainly not an album that fans of only very Atmospheric or Avant-garde metal will like. Still, for those that like their music intense, catchy and well performed, "Blood For The Master" is certainly a great choice. The album is sort of also given a somewhat Gothic quality based on the lyrical content and the album artwork that adds to the atmosphere of the entire work. "Blood For The Master" is an enthralling and entertaining album.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 8.5
Originality: 8
Overall: 8.5

Rating:8.6 out of 10

Review by Alex on May 23, 2020.

Making a 'Fast And Filthy' entry with their debut EP Under Siege, Swedish speed metal band Tøronto fire on all cylinders with alcohol and riffs at the steering-wheel. Playing like they're just passing through town on their way to the big-leagues, the band gives us 8 racing tracks of tire-burning speed and vivacity.

A complete consumption of nitro and gasoline, 'Fast And Filthy' bursts from the starting line with a punkish spring before shifting gears into a blazing worship of Motorhead. However, Tøronto also flaunt their own colors in the guitar department that act as the main voice of the tunes given the catchy and memorable riffing. 'Fast And Filthy' plays like a declaration of war on the metal underground with thunderous riffs shaping the outlook of the album following the traditional heavy metal bridge. From there the speed relaxes a bit, taking sort of back seat on 'Fire in Sight' but does not let up on the top-tier guitar soloing.

Apart from the raspy and roughneck vocals, the guitars occupy the spotlight as well with a damn near perfect showing taking place on every track of Under Siege. Both lead work and the soloing is worth mention, perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the album and most critical simultaneously. If your riffs fail then your album will too eventually; but Tøronto ensure that in addition the the adrenaline pumping drums, the licks scorch.

'Frontline Bitch' and 'Lights Out at Bedlam' demonstrate the ease in which Tøronto can extract the cores of speed and traditional heavy metal and put them back together in a unified way. This band knows what they're doing and it's conveyed throughout the album. Out on LP and digitally 22nd May 2020 through Dying Victims Productions; play Under Siege in your car when on the highway and I can almost guarantee you'll get a speeding ticket.

Rating: 7.7 out of 10