Review Summary: Brilliant, relevant and thank god for concepts
Mastodon has been relevant since 2002’s Remission album. 15 Years later, Mastodon boasts one of the greatest critically acclaimed discographies in Metal. Seriously, who tops Mastodon? Progressive albums are ALWAYS better when equipped with a concept. It enhances the flow. The Songs become chapters in an audiobook.
The quality, as usual, is top notch. The vocals are now greater than ever. Brann Dailor's astonishing vocals are prominent throughout! Previous works, "The Hunter" and "Once More Round the Sun" provided a nice transition to this band now in full bloom. Every member shines throughout and it is the only Mastodon album lacking a single skip in my stereo.
The band tackles loss in a way that is as relatable as it is accessible. I almost shed a tear when I overindulge in the real message behind the concept.
Track by Track
Sultan’s Curse: Beautiful chimes lead into a thunderous Troy and here we begin our journey. All members are showcased in typical Mastodon fashion. Dailor truly shines with his thundering drum rolls and beautiful vocals. 4/5
Show Yourself: Disliked by the band, the song is as simple as it is catchy… Undeniably catchy. They needed a radio friendly song and they get it over with early. The rest of the album contains the real substance. A true showcase of how to be mainstream while also remaining Mastodon. Dailor shines. 3.5/5
Precious Stones: Now we’re back to desert. The journey continues with Hinds delivering his unique vocals. A catchy hook consumes the ears with an important message. “Don’t waste your time, don’t let it slip away from you.” Perhaps a warning more than just a suggestion. Wonderful instrumentals. Kelliher makes us all wish we had him in our band. The song closes the same as it opens. Fun, catchy, and with a creative solo. 4.5/5
Steambreather: A deep sound consumes us into the days of Blood Mountain. Dailor revives us and snaps us out of the trance partnered with the background of a slow building guitar. So many great sounds, a wonderful chorus that is fun to sing along to. Insane drumming leads to a quick but efficient guitar solo and boom, the catchy as hell chorus. As fun as it is dark. 4.5/5
Roots Remain: A trippy intro and Troy thunders once more. We fall into the Earth as he taunts us. All hope seems lost. Dailor’s vocals are top notch and showcased brilliantly from here on out. You can feel the emotion behind his message. Troy and Dailor trade blows in a beautiful but also violent tug of war until Dailor leads us out. Beautiful shifts in sweeping sounds, chimes and time. Every listen provides another piece to appreciate. THE BEST SONG ON THE ALBUM. 5/5
Word to the Wise: Another Troy and Dailor trade off. The 4 minutes go by quicker than any 4 minutes ever. Dailor has now morphed into the most important member. Somber, Quick, and full of brilliant instrumentals. At this point I can no longer pay attention to the message and my ears are bleeding. My neighbors most likely spontaneously combusted. 4/5
Ancient Kingdom: The Troy and Dailor trade off has now become the bands signature and now almost predictable. Hinds turns into the bright spot on this track and eventually the albums closing. The vocal lessons really payed off for the boys! They all sound wonderful for guys that hate to sing. This is one of the more important songs on the album, as it is referenced in the sultan’s curse. Original and easy on the ears. 4.5/5
Andromeda: The sludgiest and dirtiest song on the album. Honestly feels like it belongs on The Hunter. Kelliher was proud of his original riffs. He knows when stumbles upon gold. A trippy Dailor chorus and now we may consider ourselves spoiled. Is there a single Dud? The answer… is no. 4/5
Scorpion Breath: This song is heavy and perfectly paired with the previous track. Ugly is beautiful. And it’s all Troy. The band’s original driving force vocally is the only member showcased. Is all hope lost for the protagonist? How is this damn near perfect album going to end? 4/5
Jaguar God: Who knew Hinds could sound so beautiful. I haven’t been this impressed and surprised since “Obivion” was released. It’s beautiful! Sing like this more! Eh*ummm* the song has a slow build throughout. Equipped with creative shifts that keep the listener guessing. Hope has been lost… but boy was it a beautiful ride. Thank you Mastodon. This is the best album I’ve heard in Years. I will be enjoying it for years to come. An album that has to be appreciated throughout. Sounds still undiscovered by my ears. To say I’m impressed is an understatement. Boy am I satisfied. The song closes with the most beautiful guitar solo since The Hunter. It would appear that all hope has been lost and the antagonist is laughing in our face.
A work of art and an instant classic.
