MASTODON
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Mastodon's "Remission" sounds like what the bastard child of Sleep and Dillinger Escape Plan might sound like. The music is that heavy, ambient, stoner-ish crush that Sleep masters while the songs are written and performed with the intense, raging, technical style of DEP. I guess Mastodon could also fall into the Math Metal category but - since I have no idea how to identify that type of music except by what other people tell me - I don't think I can tell you why.
Bottom line is that "Remission" is heavy, pounding, powerful stuff. If you're looking to take over a small country, you might not need more than a wall of Marshall amps and a copy of "Remission."
The final track on the CD is a razor sharp, sledgehammer of a cover of Thin Lizzy's "Emerald." Also included in this edition is a live DVD of the band at the Masquerade in Atlanta, GA on December 1, 2002. As DVDs go, it's not the highest quality, but it does give you an idea of the band's explosive onstage prowess.
Mastodon: Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, Troy Sanders.
For more information, check out https://shop.relapse.com/artist/artist.aspx?ArtistID=10063.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2004 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised: 19 Nov 2008 01:52:30 -0600.
