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October 12, 2008 |
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MASTODON - Blood Mountain
Warner (2006) |
10/10 |
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01. The Wolf Is Loose
02. Crystal Skull
03. Sleeping Giant
04. Capillarian Crest
05. Circle Of Cysquatch
06. Bladecatcher
07. Colony Of Birchmen
08. Hunters Of The Sky
09. Hand Of Stone
10. This Mortal Soil
11. Siberian Divide
12. Pendulous Skin
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Boy, leave it to MASTODON to create what is already being hailed in many circles as not only one of (if not THE) most creatively groundbreaking and musically original Metal releases of the swiftly waning year, but also the weirdest. For weird is definitely the operative word here, the twelve-track platter that is "Blood Mountain" sounding to these ears not unlike an episode of some sort of bizarre metaphysical cooking show wherein madly grinning sonic chefs Troy Sanders (bass,vox), Brent Hinds (guitar, vox), Bill Kelliher (guitar), and Brann Dailor (drums) have whipped up yet another aural masterwerk using their patented magic recipe of grim psychedelic woe and mind-expanding, thought-provoking cerebral intensity.
Much like its brilliant Herman-Melville-inspired predecessor, "Leviathan", "Blood Mountain" functions as a loose concept album of sorts, the band opting this go-around to explore themes of inner turmoil and isolation as expressed through images of a lone journeyman ascending a seemingly impossible peak, all the while suffering through terrible privation and encountering a host of nightmarish creatures and situations which may or may not be real or hallucination. Not unlike the concept of the "Spirit Quest", wherein the individual willingly chooses to endure great odds and sacrifices on a quest for greater inner growth and insight, "Blood Mountain" takes the listener on a journey into the mind, and the self in search of greater transcendence through both musical and lyrical aesthetics. The end result is - as stated earlier - a piece of work that heaves and surges along upon gigantic steps that push both Metal, and one's concept of music in general to heretofore unscaled heights.
Along with such notable vocal guests as Josh Homme of QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE fame, Scott Kelly of NEUROSIS, and Cedric Bixler Zavala of the equally talented THE MARS VOLTA, MASTODON pull no punches in their quest to plumb the eclectic depths of what Metal can accomplish in terms of expressive impact. Whether bludgeoning the listener via traditional Thrash-inspired mayhem as on opener "The Wolf Is Loose", rife with the expected blend of technical skill and razor-sharp chops, or building slowly into menace as on "Sleeping Giant" which begins all subdued and wired for tension before exploding into psychedelic nuttiness, to amazing with the Jazz-inspired musical knotwork of the perplexing "Bladecatcher", every track on this masterful release manages to both impress and surprise at every turn, all the while straddling that ever-important line of hook and melody that makes the album listenable and repeat-playable in spite of its challenging template.
Other highlights? Where to begin? So much here just boils over the proverbial pot in terms of creative offerings. "Capillarian Crest" explores dark progression, while "Circle Of Cysquatch" offers up a clinic in Mathcore/Thrash fusion. "Colony Of Birchmen" offers up the most traditionally hook-laden chorus atop layers of downtuned chaos, while album centerpiece and climax "Siberian Divide" closes things off in fine, epic fashion, leaving all gathered before it's grand sweep salivating lustily for the next release from these musical mad-scientists who thus far in their career can seemingly do no wrong.
And truly, what more need be said? MASTODON rules and frankly, so does "Blood Mountain". Weird? Yes. But here weird translates to good, for without such a left-of-center approach from innovators such as MASTODON, Metal would have stagnated and died a long time ago. Regardless of where they choose to take their ongoing musical journey from here, at present MASTODON may rest easy, comfortable with a musical legacy which to date has spoken of quality over quantity. In terms of an overall body of work wherein attention to songcraft, concept, lyrical expression (at once so enigmatic, yet at the same time so full of clarity and meaning), and of course, an ever-broadening and improving journey of musical development and innovation are always at the fore ahead of any pretense at mass acceptance or commercial appeal, MASTODON are - like their namesake - true giants standing strong against the tide of mediocrity lapping at their feet. An absolute artistic triumph in every sense of the term, "Blood Mountain" is a prime example of the direction thoughtful and forward-thinking modern Metal should be heading. I for one am looking forward to coming along for the ride. Find and abscond with as soon as humanly possible! This is definitely the most enjoyable headtrip you'll take all year!
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