Search - Mastodon :: Lifesblood

The Beginning of Greatness

Janitor X | The Mountains | 12/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Looking back at the previous decades, it's easy to see who the best metal bands were during those time periods. Black Sabbath was easily the best metal band of the `70's, Metallica owned the 80's despite what happened to them later on, and Pantera kept heavy music alive in the `90's. However, it's not so easy to say who is the greatest metal band of the 2000's since the decade is only half over. Many people may make predictions about who we will still be talking about in 2015, but rest assured, it will be Mastodon.

There are some great metal bands out there right now, but Mastodon stands above the rest for several reasons. Their music is complex but still digestible to the casual listener, unlike Dillinger Escape Plan or Meshuggah. They use elements of old school metal but don't sound too derivative, unlike Lamb of God or High on Fire. They do some genre blending and make it flow together smoothly, unlike Burnt by the Sun or Converge. While all those other bands are great at what they do, none will be remembered like Mastodon will.

Mastodon is slowly climbing their way to the top of the metal world and they will only get bigger with each album. Right now, after releasing their second album, they're in the opening slot for Slayer on tour. In a few years, Slayer will be opening for Mastodon.

"Lifesblood" is very impressive for a first release. It's a nice slab of raw aggression and unrestrained power, but they also spice it up with movie dialogue samples which adds a needed sense of humor to the sledgehammer songs. Like all other Mastodon albums, it takes a few listens to let it grow on you, then you're addicted.

It's easy to imagine this EP going out of print in a few years and being auctioned on the web for 50 or 60 dollars. Everybody will want to know what Mastodon sounded like in the beginning."

Lords of Chaos

General Zombie | the West | 10/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Mastodon's debut EP Lifesblood probably isn't quite as good as their to albums, but it's still an excellent work. Any Mastodon fan needs to pick it up.



The production here is very rough. The guitars shriek and howl, and the drums sound quite odd and there's a bit of static sometimes as well. On top of this, the songwriting is a bit more manic than they're later stuff, making this their most raw and visceral release. Dailor's drumming steals the show, as usual, though it's hurt somewhat by the odd drum production.(the bass drum in particular sounds off.) Still, he's my favorite metal drummer, and his work here does nothing to discourage that opinion. The vox are pretty insane. More over the top and more varied than in Remission, though it's got a bit of subdued work as well. They fit very well though. The riff-writing isn't as good as it would become, but they still crank 'em out pretty well. Plus, on this album it's more about an overall feel to the music than the individual riffs. They have a really vicious guitar tone. Not as thick and heavy as later, but more sharp and jagged. Once again, it fits the songwriting very well.



All the tracks are good. Shadows that Move and Welcoming War are raging tech-metalcore at it's rawest. Not immediately memorable, but the intensity they have while you listen to them is more than enough. The way Shadows that Move kicks in after the vocal sample is just great. Will blow you away for sure. We Built This Come Death changes things up a bit, with a bit more atmosphere and some roughly sung vocals. It's actually got a pretty catchy chorus. A very good song. Hail to Fire is the standout track. It perhaps surpasses even their brilliant Crusher Destroyer in the 2 minute mosh marathon category. Incredibly heavy, with a great piercing lick. More brilliant drumming too. Battle at Sea slows things down a bit, and is another great track. Nice atmosphere, and a good contrast between death vox and some black metal-ish shrieking.



Well that's it. This isn't Mastodon at their best, but it's better than most other bands. Get it."

Brutal

Anthony Muller | sioux falls sd | 08/31/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The only thing i can say about mastodon is that they are brilliant. The reason there isnt a 5 in the rating is because pretty much anyone who like a particular disc is going to always rate it a 5...anyway, if you are into metal in the least form go out and get this disc and remission as well in my opinion one of the best drummers in heavy music to date and anyone who can tune that low and get away with it is ok in my book"