The US Black Metal (USBM) scene is a fairly large and deep ranging hellscape. It covers all waves—FW, SW, etc.—and delves into all variant subgenres from Death to Melodic to Sludge to Folk to Atmospheric as well as everything in between. ONE MASTER has been an integral part of USBM since the way back of 2002, emerging from the dark haunts of America’s New England area. On November 24, 2023 they issued their fifth full-length album, “The Names of Power” via Eternal Death records.

This is the band’s first full-length album with what they call the "Mark IV" lineup. This includes Valder on guitar and vocals, Black Wolf on guitar and bass, and, for the first time on a full length, Eponymous on drums. The band has also announced that bassist Grave Dog is now part of the ONE MASTER lineup as well, although he joined after the album was recorded. As a side note, Grave Dog has provided the band’s artwork since “Reclusive Blasphemy” so even if he isn’t on the album, he’s on the cover.

Regarding the theme of the album, the band notes: “Taking its title from the ancient occult idea that if one learns the true name of a deity, access to its power can be obtained, the theme of the album is on the power of language, with each song being focused on its use in a different context: religion, heresy, a cult, solitude, the universe, and modernity.”

With each name explored, the band also infuses different styles of various Black Metal subgenres while still maintaining a clear core. Altogether it makes for a distinctly diverse offering, thwarting expectations and awarding the listener with several treats like the Doom-infused “The Secret Names” and the atmospheric with “The Final Names.” Both of these tracks, coincidently or not, push past the ten-minute mark.

Standout tracks are the two above for the more open-minded. For those looking to mainline something a little heavier, both “The Forbidden Names” and “The Celestial Names” are outstanding. “The Celestial Names” is another longish track (8 minutes) which finds the band exploring several movements and working in some curious field recordings. With a full runtime of over 54 minutes, the vinyl version constitutes a double album boxed set, so plenty of material to darken your holiday season. ONE MASTER, “The Names of Power,” a solid USBM offering to round off the year.