Mastodon hunts down a new approach

Few bands are ever equated to the likes of heavy metal greats like Metallica and Slayer, but Atlanta based powerhouse Mastodon may be well on their way to joining the ranks of the metal elite.

They've already been called "the greatest metal band of their generation" by Rolling Stone in 2009, but Mastodon continues to push the boundaries of their throwback heavy metal style.

Members of Mastodon
(photo courtesy: Metal Archives)

The band first got their start in 1999 and released their first full length album, Remission, in 2002, reprising the distorted and abrasive sound of sludge metal that grew in popularity during the mid-1980s.

“They are the most ambitious, most fearless, most fun heavy metal band to have breached the mainstream since the genre oozed its way out of the Midlands in the 1970s." said BBC of the band. 

Known for their extensive releases of concept albums, Mastodon traded in their complex story-telling for a far more basic approach for their 5^th studio album, The Hunter.

The record, described as a “back to basics” effort by Consequence of Sound, succeeds in creating a sound where the complexity lies within the composition and style of the tracks and not in a barely decipherable concept.

Cover for Mastodon's The Hunter
(photo courtesy: Mastodon)

Unlike their previous release, Crack the Skye, The Hunter doesn't feel like a drawn out record; it gets right to the point and delivers the metal goods that Mastodon has to offer right off with the first track.

“Black Tongue” serves as the perfect opener with a guitar riff that commands the track and combines seamlessly with lead vocalist’s Troy Sanders’ gruff shouts. The drums are ultimately what really drive “Black Tongue” to be an irresistible headbanger track.

Another stand out track is “Stargasm,” which employs the combined use of high pitched and heavy handed guitar playing for a cool mix of contradicting tempos that sludge metal is known for.

However, the album hit a low point for me with “Creature Lives,” which includes a minute long intro of screeching noise and laughter. The vocals are also way too clean cut and don't pack a punch quite like the songs on the rest of the album.

Apart from that, the album is packed with other heavy hitting tracks, including “Spectrelight,” which is my favorite off of the album. (Listen to it below!) The track jumps right into heavy hitting drums and a powerful guitar riff without any hesitation and demands you to listen.

 "Whether on purpose or by accident, Mastodon have created an album with no sense of direction that makes total sense and completely works within their catalog,” said Iann Robinson of CraveOnline. ”How do you do that? I have no idea and at this point I don’t really care."

Mastodon has certainly proven itself to be more than a one trick pony by stepping away from concept-driven albums and focusing more on individual style and songwriting on The Hunter. The album definitely delivers the tracks to suit your craving for a classic sludge metal sound with a touch of modernity.

You can pick up a copy of the album here or on Mastodon's official website!