Heavy Metal.

With this album, Mastodon has gottne a little less metal and a little more classic rock. The vocals are pretty much all singing now, but they still keep it pretty heavy. The drummer also contributes vocals on some songs now as well. No songs really stand out above the rest on this album, but the album as a whole is amazing. Mastodon has really come through, completing their 4 elements concept (this album being their air/space/ether element). Great guitar playing, great drumming. It took me a few listens, but this is probably Mastodon’s best album to date.

Recommended Tracks:
1. “Oblivion”- **** Great Verse riff, catchy chorus.
2. “Divinations”- **** Starts with banjo, most upbeat song on the album.
3. “Quintessence”- ** Decent song, a little repetitive.
4. “The Czar”- *** 11 minute song about Rasputin and Czarist Russia.
5. “Ghost of Karelia”- *** One of the heavier songs on the album.
6. “Crack the Skye”- **** Heavy song dedicated to drummer’s late sister.
7. “The Last Baron”- *** 13 minutes long, good guitar work.

—Jason Fahn