REMISSION

Like most of the top acts of any genre of music, the debut album shows potential and promise, but still has a way to go.

Mastodon ditches some of the more amateur influences featured on their debut EP 'Lifesblood' and conjure up more tunes with more contrasts, better structures and plenty of twists. If Brann Dailor's performance didn't impress the listener enough in the prior CD, this one will break whatever the previous opinion was, because he plays even better. It goes without saying, he is clearly number one on this album again. Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher's guitar work is also a huge step up. The thrash influences apparent on the preceding album is nearly void entirely! They are more focused upon complexity and variances in the rhythm section with plenty of complementary melodies that became a primary role in later Mastodon records. The sludge elements are just enough to not become boring, but rather giving the songs an extra edge in terms of keeping them more interesting.

The factor that can always turn fans away completely and never to return is the vocals. They are harsh, but still understandable. Sung in very low registers, but far from being death growls, it is more tolerable then other bands with harsh vocalists.

With that being said, this is a very good album. Some really heavy metal with complex rhythm structures and melodies thrown in over them with time signatures is surely going garnish a prog-metal fan's attention. Once again, Brann Dailor gets an A+ for an unforgettable drum performance.

Share this MASTODON review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to ProgBagel
• Report this review (#176243)
• Buy MASTODON music online with PA partners
• Show all MASTODON MP3/Stream
• Go to MASTODON page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Remission page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for MASTODON related discussions