What if ... there really were an entity, greater than all humans that rules, judges and punishes us all? This would be the very definition of "Total Mastery", which is the title of MESSTICATOR's sophomore album as well as one of the ominous concepts that permeate its lyrics. Sinister tales are as much a trademark as are fast, hard, and uncompromising songs for the German band from Hamburg. On "Total Mastery", MESSTICATOR are still skilfully balancing on the edge of death and thrash metal, but with more experience comes a general levelling up and more of everything: "Total Mastery" is faster, harder, and even less willing to compromise than its predecessor "Forthcoming Revelation" (2022). With "Total Mastery", MESSTICATOR confirm their remarkable strength regarding the writing of catchy, deadly tunes but also demonstrate their ability to learn and grow spectacularly fast.