Mastodon - Crack the Skye (2009)

Mastodon has become one of those bands that everyone needs to know. Metal head and those (non)alike will tell you that these guys have serious skills. So after a year since their award winning album “Blood Mountain” that news broke that they were recording their fourth studio, everyone’s ears were hungry for their genius. Finally the time has come, “Crack the Skye” is release onto the world.

I actually got to hear most of the album, excluding the final track, “The Last Baron,” about a month head in advance. What I heard made my jaw drop. This band was no longer jerking around and they proved it with just the opening track, “Oblivion,” having about ¾ of the band doing vocals. The album then gives way to their single, “Divinations” which just surf the ether. “Quintessence” then picks up the weight and grooves it way in that led ways into the Russian inspired tracks, “The Czar” and “Ghost of Karelia” which just haunts your soul. The album then takes a turn for the tragic with the emotional “Crack the Skye” that then drops us off at the epic quest of “The Last Baron.”

The sound of this album is truly mind altering. Wind and the Ether, the Sprit World, all of this played a part in the making of this album. The ideal song to hear this quality is, “Ghost of Karelia.” All of the band members are in sync with one another as they harmonize in instrument and voice. The screaming they once did is still on here, but they use it wisely, thinking carefully where each part is leading and how their voices should sound. The lyrics they sing deal with the concept of a boy projecting himself out of his body, getting lost in space, and finding help in the Mad Monk Rasputin. The lyrics also derive from the drummer’s childhood with dealing with his sister’s death. All of this leads to an emotional album, dealing with despair, lost, hopelessness, and faith. This can be seen throughout Paul Romano’s awesome artwork.

I can’t true see a down side to this album as I listen. They moved on from their past albums and are ready for a new future. As well, as the days went on after CTS release, I don’t think they have sold out. They are trying out something new while still keeping with familiar styles. This is the Mastodon I’ve hoped for in the past.

This is an incredible album, one that must not be passed up. Once you’ve listen to it as lease once you will understand why I’m giving “Crack the Skye” 5 out of 5 stars. So go get this album and enjoy it and if you can, try to find the all instrumental version of the album, it’s an awesome experience as well. Enjoy your music sound-land.

Cheers.

Musical Rant

Sigh. It bugs me when someone says a band or musician has sold out. I guess it depends on the band but it still bugs me. This idea was brought up after watching a video of two kids talking about how they don’t like Coheed and Cambria anymore, saying that they sold out and refusing to support them anymore. I don’t know, just something about that left a bad taste in my mouth.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying they don’t have an option to share with everyone; it was just invalided reasons for not liking them. I’ll post a link to the video towards the end if you want to watch and see what I mean, but still…Honestly I don’t think Coheed has sold out. They are a progressive band and their music changes from album to album so I don’t see what the big deal is. However, I will say that their last album, “No World for Tomorrow” wasn’t their strongest, but I still enjoyed it.

I digress; I don’t think you can really label a band as “selling out” until they have milked everything they can from themselves. (i.e. Kiss. Hey, I listen to Kiss too and I want you to find me a fan who think they haven’t sold out. Metallica is pretty close as well.) Examples would have to be candy, condoms, and games about them (not being feature in a game but actually having a game for your band). Pretty much if a band is going far, FAR beyond selling t-shirts, albums, and live DVDs, then they could be labeled as selling out. Is this really a bad thing? No. It’s your band, you should be making money off of yourself. Just always keep the fans in mind first. Once you quit making albums, stop touring but still trying to sell your name it’s kind of hard to like you. But having your shirts sell at Wal-Mart or Target along with your albums is not selling out to me.

That about does it for my little rant. I’m going to try and keep the reviews coming, but I’m a busy person. So if you can think of anything for me to review, shout it out. Here’s the link for the video as well: Coheed Rant.

Cheers