Doomed Confessionary: John James (Master Charger)
Master Charger is a stoner/doom/sludge trio hailing from the blackest heart of the Midlands, UK. Formed in 2006, Master Charger consists of guitarist, vocalist and founding member John James, bassist Dave Hayes and drummer Ste Dudley.
Master Charger draws inspiration from some of the most influential names in heavy music, blending the raw power of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple and Motörhead with the aggressive edge of Slayer, Venom, Celtic Frost and Black Flag. Their sound also channels the intensity of Mountain, Free, Trouble, Saint Vitus and Pentagram, creating a unique fusion of vintage heaviness and unrelenting groove. Their raw, unfiltered energy has earned them a dedicated fan base, further cementing their status as a formidable force in the doom/sludge metal world.
With their signing to Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records, Master Charger is set to unleash their latest material, beginning with their brand-new single and video »When Hell Rode In«. This release serves as a harbinger of what’s to come, as the band prepares to deliver their upcoming full-length album »Posthumous Resurrection«, set to drop in the coming months.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a 3 piece powerhouse of low tuned heavy doom that has its roots in 70’s hard rock and blues that incorporates a slightly modern edge. We have been described by fans as a Satanic Blues Rumble! So that moniker as kinda stuck with us. The band’s inception was back in 2006, so we’ve been on the scene for a while and have gone through several line up changes throughout the band’s existence. I’m the only original member now left in the band. Haha!!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Getting to where we are now, almost 20 years from the bands inception. The band has gone through several line up changes in its time and by the time anyone reads this, we will be on our 4th drummer.
What can you be most proud of so far?
The latest single and yet to be released album on Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. It’s definitely the best stuff we’ve done in my opinion.
What was your biggest regret?
I don’t think that you can really have any regrets. Things kinda happen as they happen and you have to deal with them as they arise. Everything in life is a learning curve. I guess if I really had to pick something that is anything remotely as a regret, then I would say not having the right choice or the original drummer play on the record of our debut album »Unity In Black« as I find the drumming on that very rigid and sterile. It lacks feel for me. Again, only my opinion.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have had many great shows. There’s been too many to just single any particular one out to be honest. I would say some of our highlights have been the HRH, Bloodstock and Uprising Festivals that we have played.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Brent Hinds’ departure from Mastodon and of course our very own drummer Jon Kirk’s departure from Master Charger.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
To be honest, it’s mainly all the stuff that got me into the heavy rock/metal scene from being a kid. Y’know loads of Sabbath, Zeppelin, Purple, Mountain, Trouble, COC, Pentagram, The Obsessed and Vitus along with some of the more current stuff like WitchSkull etc. Two bands that I actually love and that should’ve been bigger in my opinion are Goatsnake and Earthride. Those dudes nailed it! The Spirit Caravan albums are also a must and are in heavy rotation too!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
I’ve never really been given any advice to be honest. I’ve had people tell me that there’s no money to be made in original music and to forget about doing it. But it’s not always about the money. It’s about artistic freedom and expression and it’s something fun and a great way to meet people and travel. It’s more of an experience than anything and whether people dig us or not, when I’m gone from this earth, the music and legacy will still remain for those that did at least like what we did. Y’know, it’s kinda like a personal journey and achievement that I want to share and connect with others. I think being in the right place at the right time and doing the right thing and a little bit of luck also goes a long way too though.
What are your guilty pleasures?
You can’t feel guilty for pleasures… Can you?… Haha!!
Can you say something more about current music scene in the Midlands?
We are from small towns that do not have such a big music scene such as the bigger cities, in which always makes it a little more difficult to break through. However, the music scene is still quite healthy despite the closures of quite a few venues which is quite sad and worrying at the same time.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We will be playing mainly dates around the UK this year but endeavour to try to venture into Europe and hopefully play some festivals.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Our plans are to promote the forthcoming album that is scheduled for release anytime soon through Octopus Rising / Argonauta Records. Also, get our new drummer up to speed with all of our material. As I said earlier, look to try and break out of the UK as far as live dates go and then start writing some new material for another album.
How can people best support your band?
By coming to our shows, buying our albums and merchandise. Following us on our social media pages and our Bandcamp page as well as viewing our videos on YouTube.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Your support is massively appreciated and we hope that you enjoy the latest singles and the new album which should be released anytime soon. Also we hope that you have checked out our past releases and make sure you follow us on our Master Charger social media pages and Bandcamp. Your support really matters to us because without you all, we simply would not exist!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well