Mike Masser Unleashes Heavy New Sound with ‘5’ and Connects on the Personal Struggles Behind the Music
- STAFF
- Sep 13
- 7 min read
By: Staff
Excerpt Mike Masser’s ‘5’ is a raw, unforgettable journey through sound—bold, emotional, and fiercely real.
The world is about to be rocked. Mike Masser has returned with a ferocity that can only be described as electric, and his latest release, '5,' is a bold declaration of his artistic reckoning. The album hits with the weight of a storm, a force that blends heavy riffs with raw emotion. Fans of his powerful evolution won’t want to miss it. Masser’s new work signals a sonic shift, showcasing his signature grit and relentless energy, while pulling listeners into the depths of his most personal battles. If you thought you knew what to expect from the artist, think again, this new chapter is darker, louder, and undeniably more dangerous.
We got together with Mike Masser about his new single and the larger story behind his latest album. Through candid reflections, he opens up about the deep pain that fueled his work, from tributes to those lost to the heavy burdens of real-life struggles. We dive into the meaning behind his bold decision to cover some of rock's most iconic artists and explore the influences and life experiences that have shaped the soundscape of his music.
This conversation goes beyond the music; it’s an exploration of what it means to reckon with the past while looking ahead to the future. Masser reflects on the four-year hiatus that preceded this album, the creative risks he’s taken, and the deeply personal stories woven into every note. It’s a return that resonates with the intensity of a life lived, a career redefined, and a sound that will echo for years to come.
Dive into our full conversation with Mike Masser and discover the heart behind the music.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Mike Masser, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Wow, this album blew us away. From your electrifying cover of Genesis’s “Abacab,” which was nothing short of an explosive, stellar rendition, to the deeply emotional vocals in Alice in Chains's “Don’t Follow”, enhanced by the incredible appearance of Megan Masser, your interpretations have truly redefined these classics. We really loved the way your voice was layered in “Don’t Follow” in a way that provided rich, almost harmonic support that added a unique depth, elevating the track in a way that's both personal and powerful. And then, the jaw-dropping heavier twist on 'Twilight Zone' injected even more raw energy into an already iconic musical landscape. You’ve captured something truly special with each of these tracks, giving them new life while honoring the originals. But then, your original tracks feel heavier and more authentic than anything we've heard in decades. The grungy, blazing guitars of "Wolves in the Whiskey" and the unbelievable vocals of "No Sin" are just some of the highlights. Is there anything you can’t do?
After experiencing such a powerful body of work, we’re curious, what has your personal musical journey been like? Did you gradually evolve into your professional career, or was there a pivotal moment that sparked it all?
A. Music has always been in my life, but it hasn’t been a straight road. I’ve had ups and downs, losses, and personal struggles that shaped who I am. It’s been more of a slow evolution than one big turning point. Each album reflects where I’ve been at that time in my life.
Q. What inspired the decision to cover these three songs in particular? Was there something that attracted you to them individually?
A. I wrote down songs I’ve always wanted to cover, put them into a hat, and picked. It was simple, but it worked out perfectly—each song felt right to reimagine in my style.
Q. You’ve mentioned you’ve been in the shadows for four years. Was this a planned hiatus, a time spent in the studio, or were there other circumstances that led to your absence from the spotlight?
A. It wasn’t planned. Life had other priorities, and I needed time to step back. Some of it was personal, some of it creative. When I came back, I wanted to come back stronger and heavier.
Q. With four years between albums, did you feel any pressure to make this one count? Were there external expectations placed on you, or did this feel like a chance to create something completely new on your own terms?
A. The pressure was mostly from myself. People waited a long time, and I wanted to give them something worth that wait. But I also wanted it to be honest and on my own terms.
Q. What inspired the overall direction of this album, and how does it fit into the larger narrative of your previous releases?
A. It’s the heaviest and most personal album I’ve made. My earlier records built the foundation, but this one is where everything I’ve gone through came together in a raw way.
Q. What’s the story behind the title ‘5’? Was there something about the number that encapsulated the emotional or thematic essence of this album for you?
A. It’s my fifth album, but it also represents survival and a turning point for me personally. It just felt right.
Q. You’ve described the album as a “reckoning.” What events or experiences led to this reckoning, and why was it important for you to define this phase of your career in such a bold way?
A. Losing my best friend, watching my dad fight Alzheimer’s, and facing my own battles created that reckoning. I needed to be honest and put everything out there, no matter how heavy.
Q. The tribute to your late best friend and the song honoring your father’s fight with Alzheimer’s clearly represent deep pain and personal loss. How did the process of writing these songs affect your emotional state and your creative approach? Were there moments of healing or catharsis as you worked through these emotions?
A. Writing them was painful but also healing. It helped me process what I couldn’t say otherwise. The song for my best friend was my way of saying my final goodbye to him and honoring the bond we had. It took me years to figure out how I wanted to do it, and creating that track was both heartbreaking and therapeutic. The song for my dad was to remind my mom, who has cared for him with such strength, of what she’s fighting for. They’ve been married 69 years, high school sweethearts—and their love has always inspired me.
Q. Do you have a specific ritual or mindset you enter into when recording emotionally charged tracks like these? Do you allow yourself to revisit the emotions tied to those experiences, or do you try to block them out in search of solace?
A. I revisit them. To capture the truth, I need to feel it again. It’s tough, but it makes the music real.
Q. The album blends heavy riffs with deeply personal stories. How do you balance maintaining the energy and aggression of hard rock while still telling such vulnerable and intimate stories? Do you ever intentionally obscure the meaning, or do you always feel compelled to “pour gasoline on the fire” and be blunt with your message?
A. I’ve always been straightforward. The heaviness of the music gives weight to the personal side of the lyrics. I don’t try to hide the meaning—I’d rather it hit directly.
The aggression gives the vulnerability even more impact—it’s the balance of strength and pain that makes it real.
Q. You’ve said that this album is “louder, heavier, and more dangerous.” What sonic risks did you take this time around that you didn’t explore in your previous work?
A. I pushed harder on everything—the guitars, the vocals, the tones. I let the songs get messy when they needed to, instead of keeping everything clean. It made the music more alive.
Q. You’ve also mentioned that this is not a “comeback.” What does that distinction mean to you, and how does it shape the way you approach your music and career moving forward?
A. To me, a comeback means you were finished. I was never finished. This is just another chapter, not a return.
Q. Where do you usually create your music? Do you work at home, in a recording studio, or collaborate with a producer? And when it comes to finalizing the work, do you mix and master everything yourself, or do you turn to someone else to polish the final product?
A. I write, play every instrument, record, mix, and master everything myself. It’s a lot of work, but it’s the only way I can fully capture what I hear in my head.
Q. What was the most challenging part of bringing this album to life, from the initial concept to the final recording?
A. The challenge was carrying so much emotion without letting it break me. There were moments I had to walk away, then come back when I was ready.
Q. Lastly, we can’t thank you enough for sharing these intimate details with us! So, what’s next? Can you give us the inside scoop on any upcoming projects or things people should be excited about? We’d love to hear the news straight from you!
A. Right now, I want 5 to connect with people. I’m already writing new ideas, but I don’t want to rush it. I don’t have live plans at the moment, but that could change in the future. For now, I just hope people find something in this album that speaks to them.
Mike Masser, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Mike Masser’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
