For me, Mastodon are the one of the truly great bands that have emerged in the 21st century. This, along with two other of their releases, are top drawer classics. This was the band’s 4th full length release, and it’s the first to feature drummer Brain Dailor as their third lead vocalist. The sound also changed on this record to a more progressive sound. Again it’s a concept album, the subject being the element Aether, which is the soul and spirit of all things. For the keen eyed amongst you, you will also know they based albums on fire, water and earth. Air is still waiting for its turn.
Every track is a beast of a song and the creativity is off the charts. The opening song, Oblivion, is an absolute monster of a track to start an album with. Divinations follows and the quality continues. Track three, Quintessence, is one of the best tracks you will ever hear in this genre, it has so many twists and turns musically and lyrically – it has all the feels from me, the word epic does not do it justice. This side closes out with The Czar which is in four parts. A very Uriah Heep style organ intro before even more epic-ness ensues. Such a deep feeling track – a very emotive piece and yet still retains its heaviness in a subtle way.
Ghost of Karelia gets Side 2 underway and lots of tapping into consciousness vibes abound. Another deep track with an underlying heaviness. The title track follows, and is probably the heaviest sounding track, with lots of d-tuned goodness without losing the melody. Things come to an end all too quickly with the last track, The Last Baron – another huge beast of a song. This has to be Brent Hinds’ best vocal on any Mastodon album.
So many changes musically, from great riffage to delicate solo pieces. I am totally in awe of this band. I am thankful to be on this planet at the same time as these guys to witness the creativity that oozes out of each one of them.
A big 10/10 from The Grooveman!!!
