Rock/Review Mike Masser - 5

Mike Masser spent the early ‘00s in a rock band that was able to carve out a piece of local success. After that, he went on to play in several cover bands because as a guitarist, he couldn’t stay away from the stage. After some time he was burnt out and spent a decade focusing his attention everywhere but music. He couldn’t stay away forever, though, and decided to pick back up not only his guitar but also his voice.

Mike Masser, a hard rock juggernaut, returns after a four-year break with “5,” a fierce and unrepentant album that makes the wait worthwhile. This album, which combines powerful riffs, booming percussion, and Masser's dominating vocals with intensely intimate storytelling, is a daring assertion of raw passion and sonic intensity. Listeners are thrown into a world of suffering, rage, and catharsis in the first track, which is an unrelenting demonstration of hard rock expertise.

Heartfelt tributes, such as a song commemorating Masser's father's fight with Alzheimer's and a heartbreaking ode to his late closest friend, are among the album's most moving moments. These songs demonstrate the depth of emotion that lies beneath the violent sound, striking a real and compelling balance between rage and tenderness. Three bold covers that are reworked with Masser's distinctive edge expand the album's reach and demonstrate his ability to take well-known songs and make them distinctly his own.

“5” is a reckoning, not just an album. Every note is dominated by Masser's presence, his riffs are bone-crushing, and his lyricism is razor-sharp, making for an intensely emotional and impactful listening experience. Each song invites the listener into a common place of liberation and revolt while also bearing the burden of his own path.

“5” is a great choice for fans of contemporary hard rock who want music that is both passionate and forceful. Hard rock fans have been waiting for this storm—loud, intense, and unabashedly honest.