Musical Ramblings: Blood Mountain scores big
Mastodon — Blood Mountain
When Mastodon's Leviathan kicked me right in the nuts two years ago, I couldn't have asked for a better album. Every song kicked ass in its own way, and although most of the songs felt different, the album as a whole blended beautifully. With such a great album, my expectation for the band's major label debut was higher than my old band mate.
Now that I've had the album for over three months (already?!?) I've come to the decision that it is a great album and will probably be in my top five of 2006, no problem. But that's where I get stumped. I've been asking myself over and over, “is it better than Leviathan?” The answer I've come up with is…almost.
The musicianship, vocals and song structures on this disc are on par and even topple Leviathan in some cases, but perhaps the “catchy” factor that Leviathan provided me isn't as strong on this release. That's not saying that there are duds on this CD because just like on Leviathan, every song is different but blends together as a cohesive unit (except “Pendulum” due to the fact that the track is 22 minutes long).
The most interesting aspect of the CD is the vocal delivery. Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders both expand their range and try different approaches on each song instead of just belting out a metal delivery. While many may listen to their singing and think, “what are these guys trying to do?” metal fans will appreciate it. I find that the layers, effects and, in some songs, the harmonizing, add so much to the songs, the band's growth and chance for a bigger fan base.
With all the experimentation, Mastodon fans are happy to also know that the band's amazing time changes, guitar tone and insane drumming (courtesy of Brann Daylor) all remain intact.
If you pick up the deluxe edition (which you should for only four bucks more), you get a DVD that has “The Capillarian Crest” music video plus “The Making of Blood Mountain” feature. I have to say that Mastodon sure doesn't rip their fans off. This DVD is about two hours long and gives you more of an insight to the band (although the band's first DVD, “The Workhorse Chronicles” gave you so much).
Blood Mountain is a concept album, including the awesome artwork, which is all about climbing a mountain and trying to reach the top. If you don't mind the concept, the experimentation that does separate this album from the band's previous work, and the new cleaner vocal approach on some songs, then you'll dig this disc.
When Mastodon's Leviathan kicked me right in the nuts two years ago, I couldn't have asked for a better album. Every song kicked ass in its own way, and although most of the songs felt different, the album as a whole blended beautifully. With such a great album, my expectation for the band's major label debut was higher than my old band mate.
Now that I've had the album for over three months (already?!?) I've come to the decision that it is a great album and will probably be in my top five of 2006, no problem. But that's where I get stumped. I've been asking myself over and over, “is it better than Leviathan?” The answer I've come up with is…almost.
The musicianship, vocals and song structures on this disc are on par and even topple Leviathan in some cases, but perhaps the “catchy” factor that Leviathan provided me isn't as strong on this release. That's not saying that there are duds on this CD because just like on Leviathan, every song is different but blends together as a cohesive unit (except “Pendulum” due to the fact that the track is 22 minutes long).
The most interesting aspect of the CD is the vocal delivery. Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders both expand their range and try different approaches on each song instead of just belting out a metal delivery. While many may listen to their singing and think, “what are these guys trying to do?” metal fans will appreciate it. I find that the layers, effects and, in some songs, the harmonizing, add so much to the songs, the band's growth and chance for a bigger fan base.
With all the experimentation, Mastodon fans are happy to also know that the band's amazing time changes, guitar tone and insane drumming (courtesy of Brann Daylor) all remain intact.
If you pick up the deluxe edition (which you should for only four bucks more), you get a DVD that has “The Capillarian Crest” music video plus “The Making of Blood Mountain” feature. I have to say that Mastodon sure doesn't rip their fans off. This DVD is about two hours long and gives you more of an insight to the band (although the band's first DVD, “The Workhorse Chronicles” gave you so much).
Blood Mountain is a concept album, including the awesome artwork, which is all about climbing a mountain and trying to reach the top. If you don't mind the concept, the experimentation that does separate this album from the band's previous work, and the new cleaner vocal approach on some songs, then you'll dig this disc.
