This is the band’s third album, and was released in 2006. It’s cool to see how far they have come in those 16 years. It’s a concept album based around getting lost on a mountain and the experiences one would have. I’m sure some chemicals must have been imbibed at some point, as I’m sure my imagination would not conjure up themes as this.
The first two tracks, The Wolf Is Loose, and Crystal Skull, are quite heavy and speedy with some great riffs and hooks. Sleeping Giant is more of the direction the band are in today – a great change of pace and vibe. Capillarian Crest was released as a single, and is a very busy tune with so much going on riff and groove wise. They were nominated for a Grammy for the track, Colony Of Birchmen. That would have been cool if they had won. My favourite track on the record is Hunters Of The Sky. I love the proggy intro before the chaos begins. There is so much happening in this tune it’s incredible.
I love the whole production by the band and Matt Bayles – it’s a killer sounding album. Mastodon are a one-off that keep on making killer records that progress from one to the next, and long may they do so.
9.5/10 from The Grooveman.
