Baroness: The Red Album

Ok, right from the start I need to apologize for my previously stated dislike of this album. It's just that took a while to grow on me, I guess. It's not quite as impressive as their latest release "Blue Record". It's a bit more instrumental heavy, yet still formidable.

Baroness' "Red Album" (2007) is a smoke-filled maze of winding, quiet, trippy prog-rock instrumentals a la early King Crimson that build into heavier stoner rock grooves, then eventually explode into all out apocalypse then melt away. They haven't quite perfected their home-spun blend of Mastadon, Fugazi, and The Sword yet, but they are pretty close. Excellent blend of prog metal, hardcore, and stoner metal.

"Red Album" takes a bit of patience. Once again, it is not nearly as gargantuan as "Blue Record" but still a good listen. It tends to meander a bit with the instrumentals, but I think that's the way they meant it....to lull you into a psychedelic stupor and then melt your face off. Highly recommended, but pick up "Blue Record" first.

Here's "Rays on Pinion" and 'Wanderlust" for your enjoyment.

Baroness: Blue Record

Ok. I know I'm a bit late here on this. This album came out last year, but I just recently picked it up, and this disc has been glued to my ears ever since. I wasn't very impressed with their previous release "The Red Album", but Baroness' latest "The Blue Record" has blown me away.

Where do I even start here? First of all, Baroness has morphed into a perfect blend of Fugazi, King Crimson, Mastodon, and The Sword. Smart, disturbing prog metal morphs with hardcore melodies and ages old heavy as hell metal riffery. What you have is an extremely addictive mix. The vocals are tough yet melodic. The musicianship is excellent. Everything is melodic yet heavy. You will find that every track on this album will be rattling around in your head for eternity, driving you insane in a good way for more Baroness.

Even the instrumental tracks have a power on this disc. "Blue Record" is designed to be listened to from start to finish. No interruptions. There are many recurring themes. The instrumentals serve as the proverbial glue that holds this album together. In a way, this disc reminds of the albums of Captain Beyond and early Black Sabbath, where every note counts, no matter how quiet or incidental. Every sound is integral to the album as a whole.

"The Blue Record" is incredible. Doom, apocalypse, and beauty await your ears. Pick it up now if you haven't already.

Mastodon: Aqua Demetia

Excellent early Mastodon, from the LEVIATHAN album. It reminds of the best moments of early Voivod and Coroner. Mindbending, heavy as hell prog metal. Here's AQUA DEMENTIA. Enjoy.

Mastodon: Blood and Thunder

Mind-bendingly heavy prog-metal courtesy of Mastodon. Here's BLOOD AND THUNDER from their LEVIATHAN album.

MASTODON: NEW VIDEO FOR OBLIVION

I know this my second Mastodon post this week, but this is their brand new video to "Oblivion", the song they performed on Letterman a few weeks ago. A great song...and one of my favorite bands. I just upgraded the video card in my computer and let me tell you, this video looks amazing.

Don't worry, the movie reviews I promised earlier are on the way. For some reason, my stay at home vacation this week is making me a bit lazy. Reviews of "The Wild Bunch" and "The Angry Red Planet" will be here very soon.

Mastodon "Oblivion"

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.