MASTODON ON LETTERMAN

I missed the Mastadon appearance on The David Letterman Show about 3 weeks ago and I've been too busy to track it down until now. The band performs "Oblivion" from their latest album "Crack the Skye". Trippy, progressive science fiction metal at it's finest. A great performance here...enjoy.

MASTODON: CRACK THE SKYE

Mastodon's latest release "Crack the Skye" is somewhat of a departure from the visceral heaviness of their previous works. It is slower, minus alot of the metal riffing that Mastadon is famous for, and features more melodic vocals. What you have instead is a sprawling, prog rock opus, filled with complex beauty.

How to describe the sound on this disc? It reminds of the heavy psychosis and dissonant psychedelic space metal of Voivod, circa "Dimension Hatross". There is a strong King Crimson influence, with highly experimental guitar work and complex time signatures. I also hear a strong Coroner influence with some dark, discordant, depressive mid-paced progressive thrash guitar playing. And Sabbath. Mastodon at times on this album channels the spirit of Ozzy, with some vocals sounding akin to his, and with some quality doomy frayed nerve endings riffing. What this album lacks in pure speed in aggression it makes up for in complex, beautiful. and frightening layers of sound. Listen to this disc on a good set of speakers or headphones. The production is very full and deep, and you won't want to miss any nuances. Lyrically, "Crack the Skye" is a deep, somewhat abstract, psychedelic science fiction concept album, akin to the sprawling concept works of Voivod. All the tracks are great, and once again, this an album that must be listened to as a whole as the songs flow into each other without breaks. Highly recommended. It is not the Mastodon you may be used to, but I promise that "Crack the Skye will not disappoint.

Coming Attractions...

Just reached three thousand hits as of today and counting. Thanks to everyone for their support, and when you stop by and read something you like or dislike, or just want to add your own thoughts, please leave a comment. I want to hear from you. With that being said, here's some reviews I have lined up for you, coming soon.

Mastodon's new album "Crack the Skye"

Ted V. Mikel's cult classic "Blood Orgy of the She Devils"

Ray Dennnis Steckler's black & white low budget horror fest "The Thrill Killers"

So stay tuned, and don't forget to hit that comment button.

MASTADON "DIVINATIONS"

If you want to hear "Divinations", the first track to be made available from Mastadon's yet to be released, highly anticipated new album "Crack the Skye", click here. It's the first track on their player. I like what I hear so far...very King Crimson and Coroner inluenced, with a lot more melody in the vocals than previous works. Slightly more accessible, yet still heavy. Check it out.

Awaiting Mastadon's "Crack the Skye"...

Early this year, Mastadon, an incredible, insanely heavy prog-metal band will be releasing their new album, "Crack the Skye". It is going to be a concept album of sorts about Czarist Russia. There is a track-by-track review that just came out today and you can read it here. I can't wait. In the meantime, their previous two classics "Leviathan" and "Blood Mountain" will have to suffice.