What do paraplegics, space travel, Rasputin and the Devil have in common? Nothing really, till Mastodon released their 4th studio album. Hot on the heels of their successful album 'Blood Mountain' (2006) Mastodon had a lot to deliver, however they have not only delivered the goods but Crack The Skye may well be their best work to date. Sonically, the album is a bit of a departure from their previous work. Gone are the growling screamy vocals, instead the band opts to use clean vocals on a large portion of the songs. Also the frenetic pace on previous albums have been cut down in favour of more melodic passages. Synthesizers have been used for the first time. However the album still retains the heaviness Mastodon have come to be known for, along with the twin guitar attack of Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher, odd time-signatures and out of this world drumming by Brann Dailor.
The new style the band has opted for is prominent on the two longest songs of the album. Clocking in at 10 minutes, 'The Czar' is the album's central masterpiece. Comprising of 4 parts, the band throws in everything but the kitchen sink. Keyboards? Check. Shifting tempos? Check. Bluesy guitar solo? Check. The song comprises of so many intracate melodies that it may be overwhelming for a first time listener. The 13-minute album closer 'The Last Baron', every bit as epic as 'The Czar', truly pushes the boundaries of metal, almost bordering on muscular art-rock.'Divinations' is probably the most 'catchy' song on the album, but maybe it's because it has a banjo (?!) strummed intro. Overall, 'Crack The Skye' comes as close to being a modern-day prog-metal classic as it gets. The vocals may be a bit weak and the subject matter may seem excessive, but it no way detracts from the excellent musicianship Mastodon have come to be known and loved for.
Song Picks :
- Oblivion
- Divinations
- The Czar
- The Last Baron
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