CRACK THE SKYE

YES! This is the Mastodon album that all prog fans should have been waiting for. On this album Mastodon shows us why they are one of the best bands playing today. As a long time fan of the band, I'm not ashamed to say that I love every step that they've taken with their music; however, like Blood Mountain, it took me a few listens to catch everything that is going on here, though the process here was a lot faster due to these songs being so well writing. That's the great thing about Mastodon?they progress with every album; they don't stagnate and they don't stick to the same old formula. They're always pushing themselves. This album is as close to flawless as you can get. The songwriting on this album is so catchy and awe-inspiring; it hits you in the heart and at the same time they give you the complexities that we all crave in prog.

The concept is an abstract one, and I won't get into it's details, but I will say that it is based on some of the members' lives so it isn't completely abstract. I group this album into sections: the first three, "Oblivion," "Divinations," and "Quintessence," are shorter numbers with catchy choruses and a bit of a lighter feel. Don't get me wrong?they all have their heavy moments?but this is a lighter side of Mastodon that is I think is a great move for them. They have really stepped up the song writing on this album, and it's evident on these songs right from the beginning. One of the guitar players, Brent Hinds, was knocked into a coma a few months before this album was written, and that experience is evident in these songs. It's metaphoric and symbolic, but keeping his experience in mind it brings a whole new meaning to the words.

"Ghost of Karelia" and "Crack the Skye" are the heavier numbers albeit with great songwriting as well. "Crack the Skye" is about Brann Dailor's sister who committed suicide, and the narrative in this song involves him trying to save her from this doom. It's a heart wrenching and it's extremely powerful, and thought the instrumentation is heavy, it retains that sense of longing to help his sister. Then there are the two epics, "The Czar" and "The Last Baron." Each is a true epic by itself, but Mastodon has elevated their standard for epics so much on this album. Don't get me wrong, "Hearts Alive" from Leviathan is a great longer length song for Mastodon, but these two just blow it out of the water. They are so complex and they have a keen sense of juxtaposition with the lighter parts and the heavier parts. "The Last Baron" is a true showcase of what this band can do?great songwriting, incredible verses and choruses that you remember, and an amazing YYZ-like instrumental?and they do it with such ease and grace.

I think that the fact that these songs stick in your head is such a breath of fresh air for metal. It's what sets this album apart?these are actually GREAT songs, it's not just a bunch of guys wanking off their instruments and putting on a fireworks display of musicianship. I kept this album in my car's cd player all summer and throughout that time I gained a great familiarity with it. If you really want to explore everything that this incredible album has to offer, I suggest that you do the same. I find something new every time I listen, like a new sound or a little extra vocal part in the back. It's a masterpiece, and an essential piece of progressive music for sure?there is no doubt in my mind about that. Well done Mastodon, well done.