Search - Mastodon :: Blood Mountain (W/Dvd)

Mastodon's new summit

A. Stutheit | Denver, CO USA | 09/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's true that less can sometimes be more in the world of metal, but Mastodon have clearly never even considered it. Fortunately, though, this Atlanta-based quartet have proven that they're more than capable of using the "more is more" theory wisely, and getting great results from it. Their enormous and expansive new album, "Blood Mountain," is yet another addition to the group's increasingly epic catalogue.



This is Mastodon's first release on a major label (they left Relapse to sign to Warner Music earlier in the year), so many immediately assumed it will sound overly polished and more melodic than the band's previous works. Both of those assumptions prove to be true to some extent, because the new disc isn't as raw or sonically heavy as, say, 2002's "Remission." But when the results are as good as "Blood Mountain," they're hard to argue with. This is a perfectly natural and creative progression from their two year-old masterpiece "Leviathan." The newfound progressive metal touches don't dilute or restrain the album's heaviness, and they actually help to emphasize the heavy parts and make them even more intense.



Like "Leviathan," 2004's whale of an album which was based on Herman Melville's "Moby-Dick" novel, "Blood Mountain" is also conceptual. It tells a tale about a character climbing a mountain and becoming stranded, and different things happen (the character hallucinates, runs into strange creatures, begins to starve and freeze, etc.) Couple this wondrously imaginative storytelling with such complex, experimental music, and the end result may very well be an album that's the new summit of Mastodon's career.



Most of the songs are greatly unpredictable, but there are a couple hypnotic moments. "Sleeping Giant" and the album closer, "Pendulous Skin" (which begins with pretty acoustic guitar strums) are two gorgeous, brooding tracks with subdued drum beats, dreary vocals, and other ominously ambient sounds (i.e. guitar feedback).



The rest of the disc, however, is a different story. Drummer Brann Dailor really gets to show off his talents on the album opener, "The Wolf Is Loose," because he begins the song with a fast, bouncy, all-over-the-place drum pattern that makes the listener wonder how many arms the guy really has. The rest of this song is a crushing, bludgeoning avalanche of distorted guitar leads. The next track, "Crystal Skull," continues in this same vein, with a heavy, bullying rhythm; but this song stands out from the one before it because it also features a mazey, spiraling guitar solo, and a cameo by Neurosis' Scott Kelly.



"Capillarian Crest" is quite awesome. With occasional riffs, somewhat melodic guitar leads, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink drumming, and a strong, grumbling bass line, the listener is unsure where to focus his or her attention. Later, "Circle Of Cysquatch" and "Hunters Of The Sky" boast catchy, crunching rhythms that cascade like falling logs. "Bladecatcher" is also of note because it's a total head trip due to its rapid tempo changes, a careening guitar lead, and wild, almost schizophrenic vocals. Following that, "Colony Of Birchmen" is highlighted by some very melodic singing (by Queens Of The Stone Age frontman Josh Homme), and a wailing solo. Next, the propulsive ninth track, "Hand Of Stone," is fueled by a fiery, blistering flood of riffs. Lastly, "This Mortal Soil" and "Siberian Divide" (featuring The Mars Volta's singer, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, and the same band's keyboardist, Isaiah Owens) are both vaguely reminiscent of "Leviathan." These songs have a restrained, slow beginning with the drums and guitars playing different time signatures, but then a whiplash tempo change kicks in and the song launches into a deep, intense, corrosive groove with thrashy, surging riffs.



The thought of Mastodon having such a creative idea for their third full-length is pretty amazing in itself. But the fact that the band was able pull it off so excellently is downright staggering. The band set their sights even higher than last time, and as a result, Mastodon are not only officially among metal's best active bands, but they have made a record which probably sets a new standard for the rest of their career and almost all music released in 2006. The words "great" and "masterpiece" were made for an album like "Blood Mountain.""

High on the peak in the thin air

Christopher Nieman | Los Angeles, CA United States | 09/13/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following their thematic masterpiece, LEVIATHAN, the mighty Mastodon brings us their most ambitious and complex music to date on BLOOD MOUNTAIN. Mastodon have been called the next big thing in the metal genre, and with this album, it is hard to deny that they are the most exciting band in this music.



To use a jazz phrase, this band really swings. Mastodon is building a Rush-like reputation as the most technically proficient band in their genre. They can bludgeon, and they can simply rawk. They constantly play with timings, playing (almost) stoner-slow or blast-beat fast. Vocals sway from screaming intensity to bar-soaked looseness, and they can just as easily get weird and mess with your head.



BLOOD MOUNTAIN brings a complete scene change from LEVIATHAN. Whereas LEVIATHAN made you feel like you were riding the sea, hunting an elusive foe, BLOOD MOUNTAIN sends you into the deep wilderness, where you are the hunted. Themes range from the searching ("Crystal Skull," "Sleeping Giant"), the vertigo-inducing ("Capillarian Crest") to the fantastic ("Colony of Birchmen") and the frantic ("The Wolf is Loose," "Circle of Cysquatch").



My favorites so far include the (aforementioned) full-force of "The Wolf is Loose," the intricately prog-like "Capillarian Crest," and the extremity of "Circle of Cysquatch." Probably the sharpest left turn on the album comes on "Sleeping Giant," another sign that Mastodon isn't afraid to stay at a groovy mid-tempo for a while. And I just wish the graceful album closer, "Pendulous Skin," could only have continued that cool vibe for about ten more minutes.



It's hard to top such an epic like LEVIATHAN, and it's too early for me to decide where this album will fit in their history. The band suggests that BLOOD MOUNTAIN is a metaphor for where Mastodon stands in their musical "quest." Appropriately, they have reached a peak with this album, although it's a different peak from LEVIATHAN and REMISSION. And it's exciting to know that Mastodon should continue to reach higher with their future releases.



****1/2"

BLOOD MOUNTAIN IS ALBUM OF THE YEAR!

E. M. West | Boston, MA | 09/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Coming off as the best selling artists on the Relapse Records roster, there was a lot of buzz, and ultimately, concerns in the "metal community" when it was learned that Mastodon would be heading to a major label in Warner Bros. Records. Having been a fan of Mastodon for some years now, I was not part of that group nor did I concern myself with the "banter." I have had faith in everything they've done because they were so unique in their choices and have stood by everything they've done. Mastodon have always been the approachable band in every way. Sure, they're on covers of magazines and are in the "metal" spotlight, but that won't ever stop them from hanging out a bar or tavern before and after their shows which is something their fans love them for.



Blood Mountain is as "epic" as their 2004 masterpiece, Leviathan was. It is the story of a man who sets out on a journey up the mountain to find the "Crystal Skull" and has numerous encounters with many of the mountains creatures including a wolf, deadly trees and a Cysquatch.



The musicianship is at the forefront of this release with every one of the band members shining on their instruments and complimenting each other in every way. Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher have my MVP vote. These guys compliment each other so well. Whether it's Bill's rhythms and landscapes under Brent's "chicken pickin'" or their harmonies a la Maiden, they're at the top of their game. "Capillarian Crest" is a prime example of this (the middle part is some of the most intense and spastic playing by any band in recent years). Also, check out Bill's "The Edge" (U2) like guitar playing on "Sleeping Giant." So masterful and textural. Brent also has some GREAT guitar solos i.e., "Crystal Skull." They're both showcased throughout the entire disc.



Tool's "10,000 Days" was the most highly anticipated release for me this year, along with The Mars Volta's "Amputechture." I think it is safe to say Blood Mountain has surpassed those albums in every way. I hope Brann, Bill, Brent and Troy debut at #1, buy mansions and get beer endorsements.



LONG LIVE THE DON!"