CRACK THE SKYE

In the ever-expanding and perpetually changing sonic universe of Mastodon, 2009's 'Crack the Skye' stands as a true magnum opus - their most intense work so far, equally emotive, entertaining and resonating, this concept album about a paraplegic who goes astral travelling and experiences several otherworldly events, facing crazy obstacles along the way, like assassins hired by the Russian Czar going after him, while in Rasputin's body, has deservedly received universal acclaim and has become one of the band's best-selling albums to date - a pleasure for the listener, and a masterwork by the Atlanta-based progressive metal quartet, 'Crack the Skye' is one of the 21st century classic metal albums.

Exploring further the progressive aspects of their sound, Mastodon have taken the conceptual side and tight songwriting of 'Blood Mountain' as well as the raw power of 'Leviathan' - both very important albums in their development, and have "cranked them up" to eleven, resulting in what may be seen as their most ambitious recording up to that point. Needless to say that the album is packed with fantastic songs, many of which have become staples for the band, embodying entirely their dense and epic approach to writing music. Perfecting the concept album format, 'Crack the Skye' has necessarily elevated Mastodon to a status of a heavy progressive force to be reckoned with. All puns aside, it is not surprise that this is many people's favorite album by the band. With fifty minutes of intense progressive metal, 'Crack the Skye' is a really engaging and convincing conceptual piece of work, and undoubtedly one of the best Mastodon albums, supposedly embodying the band's creative apex.

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