Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Mastodon - Blood Mountain - 2006 - Warner Bros Records

Track Listing1. The Wolf Is Loose 2. Crystal Skull 3. Sleeping Giant 4. Capillarian Crest 5. Circle Of Cysquatch 6. Bladecatcher 7. The Colony Of Birchmen 8. Hunters Of The Sky 9. Hand Of Stone 10. This Mortal Soil 11. The Siberian Divide 12. Pendulous Skin

Mastodon is a truly unique band. Their first release (Lifesblood EP) revealed a band that wasn’t going to copy other bands. When their first full-length (Remission) was released no one had any longer doubts about this band. Remission was a raw album influenced by Voivod. Mastodon was the combination of sludge (Isis, Pelican) and progressive (The Dillinger Escape Plan). Their second full length, Leviathan, was the natural evolution of the band. Mastodon released a concept album based on “Moby Dick”. The result was one of the best releases of 2004. Now, Warner Records signed them and they are releasing their third album entitled Blood Mountain.

Although I was surprised with Mastodon evolution in this album, I must say
that I kind of expected something like this to happen. In their new album,
Mastodon leave behind their Voivod influences (partly), and are influenced
by one of the greatest bands in heavy metal, Iron Maiden. Although I am not
a big fan of Iron Maiden, this album reminded them and made me hear again
their first albums. Also on this album Mastodon have some important guests,
like: Scott Kelly from Neurosis, Joshua Homme of Kyuss and Cedric
Bixler-Zavala from The Mars Volta.

The music is more complex than in Leviathan or Remission. The band performs
as always: Brann Dailor (drummer) plays faster and far more complex (yes I
know that you can’t believe it but it’s true). Kelliher and Hinds on the
guitars are amazing playing more solos than in the previous albums and Troy
Sanders...well he’s just Troy Sanders with his amazing vocals and his usual
style. Also Hinds is now the second vocalist. The vocals are shared equally
between him and Sanders, and although I didn’t liked Hinds voice that much I
can’t imagine anyone else singing his lyrics. Also the production of this
album is good although it could be better.

The result of all these things is a pure heavy metal album. Mastodon has
changed from their sludge days with their Voivod influences and they have
created one of the best heavy metal albums of the last years. The first time
I heard I was disappointed, the second I thought that it was nothing special
but from the third time and after I believe it’s one of the best releases of
2006.

Production: 9/10
Songwriting: 10/10
Band’s Performance: 10/10
Originality: 10/10
Reviewer Opinion: 9/10

Rating: 9.6/10

If you like this album check also: High on Fire-Blessed Black Wings, Iron
Maiden-Seventh Son of a Seventh Son


--Baphomet 01.12.07