Krieg Korner - Your Weekly Guide to Heavy

Band: Mastodon

Album: Blood Mountain (September 12, 2006)

Genre: Progressive/ Sludge Metal

I have always been a huge fan of Mastodon since their release “Remission” 2002. While back then they had a more sludgy sound, they certainly have evolved. Now with the release of “Blood Mountain” Mastodon has much to prove. While it is only their 3rd full album they have yet to disappoint, bringing equally brilliant, while different works to the public.
The album starts with “The Wolf is Loose,” an amazing display of Brann Dailor’s renowned drumming. A small amount more upbeat than the normal Mastodon song, it still has the essence. “Crystal Mountain” is a definite return to their old sound, more sludge and less progress. While all of the songs are certainly strong, a few standout to me. The first of which is “Sleeping Giant.” The intro is slow a not has heavy as I would expect. The guitars play a duo of odd progressions and is more ambient than anything. It’s melody really does put one to sleep. However, smoothly, yet suddenly, the song transforms into a soaring beat that is a whole new breed of Mastodon, one which I instantly fell in love with. The same dreamy intro is repeated at points throughout the song and ends with a traditional Mastodon narration.
“This Mortal Soil” reflects yet another soft opening. But soon becomes a steady and complex riff that leads into some of Troy Sanders’ best vocal work. The instruments are diverse as usual and the beat keeps one of their toes.
For anyone looking for something heavy but not so much, look for Mastodon. They prove that music does not have to be loud to be heavy, and that sludge can have many progressive elements.

Rating: 8.5/10

Jake "Teh Thor" T