Mastodon, 'Crack the Skye' (Reprise)
Southern metal brutalists invoke sweet oblivion.
By David Marchese 03.20.09 11:27 AM
Mastodon may be heavy, but they're sure as hell not dull. Leviathan, from 2004, was a bruising explication of Moby Dick. Two years later, the band allegorized signing with a major label as a quest to the top of Blood Mountain. And the Atlanta quartet matched its weighty themes with unpredictable, intelligent metal. It was a thrilling display. It was also all prelude.
Inspired by family tragedy, interstellar wormholes, Rasputin, and guitarist Brent Hinds' recovery from a fractured skull, Crack the Skye is a seven-song, 50-minute phantasmagoria of psychedelic song structures, cosmic lyrics, and foreboding atmosphere. Opener "Oblivion" provides a fiery summary of what's to come, as mystical allusions ("I flew beyond the sun before it was time"), sinister vocal harmonies, and furious instrumental passages explode in Zeppelin-esque grandeur before receding into eerie darkness. Lengthy epics "The Czar" and "The Last Baron" showcase Hinds and bill Kelliher's new yen for guitar solos, which shine like malevolent beams of moonlight. Throughout, drummer Brann Dailor proves amazingly versatile, capable of throwing down funk breaks and fusion fusillades.
While the band still lack a truly distinctive vocalist, it's become clear that with their mastery of water, earth, and skye, Mastodon's music now feels as powerfully elemental as its subject matter.
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Hey Coterel -- what was your point?
You... agree but disagree? I thought his review was fairly positive.
Or are you just using this space to try and paint yourself up as some 'reviewer' yourself?
Mastodon is one of those bands I truly believe will withstand the test of time. From their early days with "Call Of The Mastodon", all the way up until their newest, and by far most experimental and most progressive album, "Crack The Skye", Mastodon continues to both stay away from the Mainstream, but perfectly blend their true Progressive elements to both entice listeners with their music genius, and challenge them with lengthy, intricate guitar solos, and with a blend of both heavy verses/choruses.
Your right when you say that they're not dull, and heavy, but you sound as if you have just heard Mastodon. If you give "Call Of The Mastodon", the band's first E.P., or "Remisson", the band's first full length, you'll find that what this so called "Atlanta Quartet", has done a lot of growing since the early days. You barely delved into the world that is Mastodon, and what their true nature is. I think that you should go back, and listen to "Crack The Skye" the whole way through, and then go back and give "Remission" a chance. Yes. Mastodon is a 'Metal' band, and Yes. They aren't dull, but if this is all your review is going to offer, I suggest you do a little bit more research.
Mastodon is also not a vocally driven band. Though they don't have what you could call a "truly distinctive vocalist", they blend all aspects of their music into an epic, and gripping sound. Mastodon doesn't make albums; they make soundtracks. Soundtracks to stories that these four gentlemen write, and then tell musically. It doesn't take a "truly distinctive vocalist" to make a music genius, and that is just what this "Atlanta Quartet" is. Do me, and the rest of the internet who will read your reviews in the future a favor, and take off your mainstream headphones for a minute, and open your eyes musically. You'll find then just what Mastodon is.
Such a great album - and album it is, concept abum, like albums should be, not just a collection of singles.
I'm not into heavy metal BUT this is way more than that, it draws influenzes from progressive rock from the 70's Led Zeppelin and more, its beautiful, melodic and most of all exiting. Its not easy listening - its hard but pays of big time after a while .
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