So what is it that makes a band different? What is it that separates one from the rest of the pack? How can a musician or band remain memorable not only during their career but afterwards when all is said and done? Perhaps ingenuity, creativeness, or just sheer guts to step out of bounds from the norm. And with "Crack the Skye" Mastodon have once again pushed the limits and boundaries of their music. Mastodon in its simplest terms is like the catapillar that has slowly morphed its way out of its cocoon with bright colors and ultrasonic sounds. Once again Sanders and company have gone out of their way to explore even more territory than on their greatest achievement "Blood Mountain".
Starting off with the song "Oblivion" it doesnt take long for the listener to understand they are not getting the run of the mill record nor are they getting "Blood Mountain II" either. Nope, its quite clear from the get go that Mastodon have gone in a more melodic and harmonic state with even more experimentation musically. One thing that i absolutely love from Mastodon with not only this record but the last is that they dont shy away from the retro sound of classic rock n roll from the 60's and 70's. They are unafraid to incorporate their inspirations without becoming to copycat or run of the mill. Its one thing for a band to show skillsets and expertise playing. Its another thing entirely when the band does it with style. And Mastodon is one of the very few right now in this day and age that doesnt need to do a solo every 5 seconds to show off their talent.
If i had to be perfectly honest, i dont like this album as much as "Blood Mountain". Mainly because the boys have somewhat strayed away from using more harsh vocal arrangements or crunching riff patterns as on previous efforts. This isnt an album so much for brutality as it is for musical exploration and insight. Although i do believe "Crack the Skye" is just the tip of the iceberg into what these guys plan to do im still hoping that the next record will have a somewhat return to form with some of the more crunchier guitar and vocal tone. But, this album is also a lot of fun and full of exotic noisescapes that right now can only be matched by the band Cynic.
Its hard to believe the transcendal progression that this band has taken since its incarnation so many moons ago. The cleverness and originality that Mastodon bring is what will eventually make them legends in the genre. For once they were clouded among the scourge of the nu-metal chaos that surrounds them yet they found a way to overcome that separating themselves from not only those bands but the other bands from the underground. Mastodon seem to go into every album and continue to challenge themselves musically and never shy away from that task. With songs like "The Czar", "Ghost of Karelia", "The Last Baron", and "Divinations" they continue to push the boundaries of music.
So although overall i still prefer the acclaimed "Blood Mountain" to this release "Crack the Skye" is still a very solid effort that leaves this band with a very promising future. Mastodon dont pull any punches and have zero restrictions on themselves when creating an album. And make no mistake, just like Ozzy Osbourne, Ronnie James Dio, Type O Negative, and King Diamond. Your never going to mistake who this band is when hearing them on the radio. They have that originality and uniqueness about them that cant be missed. They have cornered a sound that simply cannot be replicated by any other band. And that my friends is why this band will be around long after the slew of metal and rock bands are gone. Mastodon keep pushing the envelope from album to album and musically and creativity wise they are just getting better.
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