MASTER Forced To Cancel U.S. Tour

Death metal legends MASTER, who were scheduled to kick off their long-anticipated U.S. headlining tour earlier this week with support from LIGHTNING SWORDS OF DEATH and MOBILE DEATHCAMP, were denied entry into the country and forced to return to the Czech Republic.

Said MASTER mainman Paul Speckmann in a statement: "We arrived Tuesday morning in Holland and after intense questioning we proceeded to the eye and body scan machine. Along with the other passengers, we proceeded to the plane. We arrived in Detroit and went to passport control. I waited for about two hours for any word on the guys. The police came to explain that the visa-waiver program didn't apply to musicians. So they sent me to customs and proceeded to tear apart everything and sent me on my way. I waited for six hours to get on another airplane and return to Europe. Thankfully, the lady at the Delta checkout counter was very helpful and confirmed that the guys would be on the next plane in the evening and I could return with them. The guys were escorted to the plane by four police officers and returned their passports when we arrived in Amsterdam.

"Since when are musicians and terrorists in the same category?

"Again, I apologize to all the bands, organizers and fans, of course. I guess the CD cover of the 'Human Machine' CD has become a reality!"

Due to the financial loss, MASTER U.S. tour merchandise, a CD/T-shirt combo is being sold domestically for $20.00 U.S. / $30.00 EU via PayPal ([email protected]).

MASTER's latest album, entitled "The Human Machine", was released in an alternate slipcase cover edition, which was made available in only 2,000 copies worldwide. The alternate slipcase cover edition was once again designed and painted by Israeli artist Eliran Kantor (TESTAMENT, SIGH, ANACRUSIS, GWAR),who also created the actual album cover for "The Human Machine".

Stated Kantor: "The basic idea is to have a continuation of the story told in the real front cover, after the two policemen picked up the criminal from the floor. It's a lot simpler, it's a brand new image that will add value to this limited edition, and at the same time it reacts naturally with the real cover and the overall theme carried throughout the album, as this album has a specific subject matter and the 'arrest' scene is based on Paul's [Speckmann, MASTER mainman] original idea."

"The Human Machine" was released on April 26, 2010 in Europe and May 25, 2010 in North America via Pulverised Records. Produced by Paul Speckmann, Alex Nejezchleba and Zdenek Pradlovsky, the CD was tracked at Shaark Studios in Bzenec, Czech Republic with Petr Nejezchleba and Pavel Hlavica at the engineering helm.

MASTER is:

Paul Speckmann - Vocals, Bass
Alex Nejezchleba - Guitar
Zdenek Pradlovsky - Drums