Spring Break
Mastodon 'Crack' skulls, unleash epic metal
Alyssa Carroll
Issue date: 3/26/09 Section: Focus
From the moment the first electric guitar string is wailed upon, Mastadon's sound is unleashed in epic proportions. Following their '06 album "Blood Mountain," their newest release "Crack the Skye" is what an orgy between Tool, Metallica and Pink Floyd would sound like.
Though it is virtually impossible to decipher a single lyric on most of the tracks, the double kicks and impressive guitar playing is enough to make any metal fan throw up some rock hands and head band.
A fairly short album, the CD provides seven new tracks from the band, each with a slightly harder sound than that of "Blood Mountain."
The single off of the album, "Divinations," features some of the harder sounding vocals, combining frequent screaming with a softer sounding chorus; it is a vocal style that was present on many of the tracks. However, this track does display some of the most extreme guitar playing on the album.
One of the more notable songs includes the title track "Crack the Skye." Featuring sweeping escalations of sound combined with strong metal vocals and swelling guitar parts, this track had a nearly demonic sounding chorus.
Fans of previous Mastadon hits such as "Sleeping Giant" and "Crystal Skull" will enjoy the last track off of the album "The Last Baron," which has a slightly softer vocal sound and a slightly more captivating chorus.
Mastadon fans will not be disappointed. Retaining its hard sound and clean musicianship, this album delivers the sound fans have come to expect from the group. As an added bonus, be sure to check out the stunning album artwork.
Though it is virtually impossible to decipher a single lyric on most of the tracks, the double kicks and impressive guitar playing is enough to make any metal fan throw up some rock hands and head band.
A fairly short album, the CD provides seven new tracks from the band, each with a slightly harder sound than that of "Blood Mountain."
The single off of the album, "Divinations," features some of the harder sounding vocals, combining frequent screaming with a softer sounding chorus; it is a vocal style that was present on many of the tracks. However, this track does display some of the most extreme guitar playing on the album.
One of the more notable songs includes the title track "Crack the Skye." Featuring sweeping escalations of sound combined with strong metal vocals and swelling guitar parts, this track had a nearly demonic sounding chorus.
Fans of previous Mastadon hits such as "Sleeping Giant" and "Crystal Skull" will enjoy the last track off of the album "The Last Baron," which has a slightly softer vocal sound and a slightly more captivating chorus.
Mastadon fans will not be disappointed. Retaining its hard sound and clean musicianship, this album delivers the sound fans have come to expect from the group. As an added bonus, be sure to check out the stunning album artwork.
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