Critically acclaimed two-time Grammy nominated metal band Mastodon have come on leaps and bounds since the initial release of their debut album, Remission, turning into a whole different beast with their latest powerhouse Once More ‘Round The Sun.
They pack a meaty punch as soon as they break into first song ‘Tread Lightly’, unrelenting in its brutality, occasionally intercepted with souring chorus’, complete with melodious vocal harmonies.
The band are in their element with their latest outing, interspersing the clean/distortion formula; seamlessly integrating progressive instrumental work with great guitar playing from Brent Hinds.
Troy Sanders and Hinds vocal work on songs from Once More ‘Round The Sun and The Hunter have them implementing vocal harmonies juxtaposed with solid-state riffage, with the formula working seamlessly.
Brann Dailor is a tour de force on his percussive monolith, exerting a fill-heavy drumming style, mixing jazz influenced beats when the band are at their most progressive.
The songs are complex with intricate interludes and the double lead sounds from Hinds, and Sanders locks them in with some of the long-lasting metal bands of the early 90s, while still containing a contemporary rock sound.
Standouts tonight are opener ‘Tread Lightly’, ‘Once more ‘Round the Sun’ and ‘The Motherload’ with its souring chorus and brilliant vocal delivery, ending in a progressive middle section fuelled with jazz influenced beats, souring bend, and twin guitar harmonies.
‘High Road’ is stellar, with its riff based power-chord drudgery, with one of the catchiest chorus of the night with Sanders singing: “you take the high road down, i’ll take the ground below you,” total class act.
‘Blasteroid’ (from The Hunter), ‘Halloween’ and ‘Ember City’ are also worth mentioning due to the delicate and taut song writing sensibilities, demonstrating the bands ability to craft, well thought out, but complex, structures.
It’s new wave metal with as little emphasis on “metal” as possible, as there is a host of musical influences that shine through the rock ’n’ roll sentimentality.
As far as quality and musicianship are concerned, Mastodon is up there with some of the greats, reaching out to a contemporary generation.
An absolute delight.
Words: Derek Robertson
