Atlanta Georgia’s best gift to the musical community, have released their seventh full length slice of awesomeness upon on the world. Again, it is a concept album and a story about a desert wanderer who has been handed a death sentence. Interwoven into the story are real experiences of band members’ family who had been diagnosed with cancer, and how they were coping with treatments for the disease. Teamed back with producer Brendan O’Brien, who was responsible for Crack The Skye.
Right from the first note to the last, this is the most incredible album. Each song is epic in it’s own right, each is well written and played with fantastic arrangements. There are definitely no shortages of riffs with Mastodon, as riff-meister Bill Kelliher seems to have an endless supply. Also of note, drummer Brain Dailor has more lead vocal turns this time around as he is the most melodic of the three vocalists. Every song is killer and does not disappoint. Highlights for me are the mega-top-tastic, Steambreather, which has to be up there as one of the best tracks the band have done – killer riff, groove, melody, and great lyrics. Roots Remain, which has a beautiful middle breakdown section where the vocals bring goosebumps. Scorpion Breath, which has everything and is the heaviest track on the album. If I was pushed, I would say this and the next track are my favourites on the album. This rocks hard! Last track, Jaguar God…my god…what an epic ending to an album. From the acoustic beginning with Brent’s laid back vocal, till the heaviness arrives and Bran takes over the vocal, this track should be held up as a standard bearer of how to present metal music in a modern age. It doesn’t get better than this kiddies!
Yet again another in the series of every home should have one. Go on then, what are you waiting for?
10/10 from The Grooveman.
