Devil Master

Lore & Background

Devil Master was formed in late 2015 by Francis Kano and John Hayes to explore their shared interest in early Japanese hardcore. Hayes recruited vocalist Max Hammel, while Kano brought in bassist Cassidy McGinley and keyboard player Max Gordon. The band released their debut self-titled demo on October 31, 2016, through Grim Winds Records, selling all 100 physical cassette copies. Their second demo, Inhabit The Corpse, followed on October 31, 2017, also selling out its physical copies. On September 18, 2018, a music video for the song 'Obscene Charade' was released, and the band announced they had signed to Relapse Records, with their demos compiled as the Manifestations vinyl release.

The band released their debut album Satan Spits on Children of Light on March 1, 2019, preceded by singles 'Desperate Shadow', 'Black Flame Candle', and 'Her Thirsty Whip'. They toured extensively in 2019, supporting Skeletonwitch, Obituary, and High on Fire. Their second album, Ecstasies of Never Ending Night, was released on April 29, 2022, with singles 'Acid Black Mass' and 'The Vigour Of Evil'. The band headlined tours of the United States and Canada in 2022 and 2023, and supported My Chemical Romance on one date (September 20, 2022, in Newark, NJ) in 2022. In 2024, they launched their own record label Bat Magick Records and toured Europe supporting Cult Leader.

Reader's Guide

Devil Master's significance lies in their synthesis of black metal, deathrock, and Japanese hardcore, creating a sound that critics have labeled 'vampunk', 'sleaze-thrash', and 'blackened punk'. Their music incorporates elements of glam metal, anarcho-punk, crust punk, post-punk, and other genres, reflecting a broad range of influences from G.I.S.M. and Christian Death to the films of David Lynch and Dario Argento. The band's use of tongue-in-cheek pseudonyms and Satanic imagery, alongside members' stated beliefs in Satanism and chaos magic, adds a theatrical layer to their work. Their two studio albums and extensive touring have established them as a notable act in the underground metal and punk scenes, with a dedicated following. The launch of Bat Magick Records in 2024 further indicates their commitment to fostering related music.

Did You Know?

• Devil Master's debut demo sold all 100 physical cassette tape versions.
• The band's music video for 'Obscene Charade' was edited by Dwid Hellion.
• They supported My Chemical Romance on one date in 2022 (September 20, Newark, NJ).
• The band launched their own record label, Bat Magick Records, in 2024.