Mastodon - Blood Mountain
The era of progressive music is upon us again. If bands like Coheed & Cambria are hitting the mainstream then the rest shouldn't be far behind. One of these rising stars that is on the verge of hitting the big time after seven years in the underground is Atlanta's Mastodon.
After the releasing the epic concept album Leviathan, based on the novel Moby Dick, Mastodon have set themselves a high standard to follow. Add the fact that is the band's major label debut on Warner Bros. the pressure would be enough for most bands to crumble under. Somehow Mastodon seem to thrive under it.
One thing that is admirable about Mastodon is that they all talented musicians. This can be highlighted with the opening track 'The Wolf Is Loose', which starts off with the virtuoso drumming of self-taught skinsman Bran Dailor. The guitar work of Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher is always a strength within the band. The twin leads of the guitarists intertwine throughout the album particularly 'Capillarian Crest'. 'Bladecatcher' is a peculiar track showing the progressive side of the band, almost reminiscent of technical/jazz metal like The Dillinger Escape Plan or the legendary Mr Bungle. As does the textured 'This Mortal Soul' with vocalist/bassist Troy Sanders sounding like a doped up Zakk Wylde. This a great contrast to the Kyuss-influenced dirge of 'Sleeping Giant'.
Blood Mountain has a vast array of guest appearances including Josh Homme from former tour buddies Queens Of The Stone Age on the hazy acid rock of 'Colony of Birchmen', as well as Neurosis vocalist Scott Kelly on the mind blowing 'Crystal Skull'. And more interestingly The Mars Volta singer Cedric Bixler pops ups on the eerie Eastern-tinged 'Siberian Divide'.
Blood Mountain is textured and epic with each track having its own unique charm. Could Blood Mountain be this millennium's equivalent of Master of Puppets? Quite possibly.