MASTER BOOT RECORD

Originating in Rome, Italy, Master Boot Record (MBR) functions as an avant-synth-metal endeavor shaped by chiptune and classical influences. The project launched in 2016 and has since assembled an expanding catalog steeped in classic software and video game aesthetics, a catalog notable for its embedded cryptic puzzles and messages. Its foundation traces to the anonymous creator’s soundtrack contributions for Virtuaverse, the cyberpunk point-and-click adventure game developed by Theta Division, although the first album issued under the Master Boot Record name did not appear until 2019. MBR surfaced online that same year with the digital LP C​:​\​>FIXMBR, which launched a run of nervy EPs and glitchy yet melody-driven full-lengths such as Virus.Dos (2018) and Internet Protocol (2019). The project also continues to release singles interpreting scores from gaming classics including DOOM, Castlevania, Dune, Zelda, Golden Axe, and Another World, among others. All albums remain available as 5.25" Floppy Disk Vinyls in keeping with the retro-cyberpunk motif. In 2020 the self-described "486DX-33MHz-64MB processing" entity issued Floppy Disk Overdrive, the first MBR release to incorporate vocals, which are performed entirely in the proprietary language OX devised by vocalist Öxxö Xöö of the avant-metal duo Igorrr & Rïcïnn.