BLOOD MOUNTAIN

Mastodon are back with their latest release, the follow up to their masterpiece in the eyes of many, Leviathan. A great deal of the metal community, and of course their fans in the prog community were worried about their major label signing, and just the idea of trying to top Leviathan. I am very glad to say that all the worry was for naught, Blood Mountain is easily the album of the year IMO, and another jem from Mastodon. A slightly rougher edge, cleaner vocals, great concept, better production, and amazing song structures make this an album you can't afford to miss.

This album starts off with a sonic slap in the face, coming to us in the form of "The Wolf Is Loose". A very strong track, and typical of Mastodon, a great way to open an album. Next comes "Crystal Skull" with some additional help in the vocal department from Neurosis' Scott Kelly. The next track is definitely my favorite off of the album, "Sleeping Giant". Sleeping Giant starts off with a wonderful melody, and even some acoustics, which gives way to a mesmerizing mini-guitar-solo. The song is filled with beautiful melodies, passionate vocals, and even a little spoken word at the end. Simply put, this song has been on repeat for the last week.

"Capillarian Crest" and "Circle of Cysquatch" follow, both definitely beefing up the heaviness. Then comes "Bladerunner". At first listen, I had no idea what to think of this instrumental. It might weird you out a little at first listen, but don't skip it. After a few listens I was loving it. There are some absolutely crazy effects that at first feel out of place, but definitely grew on me. And the guitar work itself is just great, some wonderful slightly Southern-sounding riffs, cascade around you the entire song. Definitely not a track to miss.

"Colony of Birchmen" is another favorite off the album. Some added vocals from Josh Homme and some great riffs definitely make this a favorite. Then come "Hunters of the Sky" and "Hand of Stone". Both are good tracks, but to me they don't quite live up to the rest of the album. I was a little turned off, but everything was righted by "This Mortal Soil". A beautiful piece with wonderful guitar work and excellent vocals. Also not a track you want to miss.

"Siberian Divide" is an amazing track and one of my personal favorites from the album. Wonderful lyrics center around the desolate climb of the frozen section of the mountain. This track is a killer.

And to finish it off is another instrumental "Pendulous Skin". This track has a very "Hearts Alive" feel to it, and again the guitar work is just amazing. Definitely a beautiful mellow track to finish off what has a been a decidedly thrashing album. Mastodon close this album with what would be a flourish, if there wasn't about 15 minutes of blank space that my CD still plays. No complaints here, as it gave me a little time to reflect and say goodbye to Blood Mountain.

In conclusion, Blood Mountain is a just astounding. No one can pull off such an epic concept and diverse sounds quite like Mastodon. While this may in the long run fall just a little short of Leviathan, it is still very much up there IMHO. Yet another masterpiece.

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