Ever since their inception in the year 2000 Mastodon have been constantly pushing the boundaries in their music, flirting with progressive elements in their first couple of albums but mostly sticking to heavy riffs. Each album has seen a great progression in the band. From Leviathan’s titanic sound, Blood Mountain’s mad storyline and their arguable jewel in the crown Crack the Skye. Then came The Hunter, an album which, I believe polarised many fans thinking that Mastodon had sold out for a more radio friendly vibe. They seemingly could never quite get the right level of both demolishingly heavy and musically progressive.
Once More ‘Round the Sun begins from the first notes in “Tread Lightly” and hooks you right until the finals chords of the spooky “Diamond in the Witch House”. With their previous effort Mastodon experimented with shorter songs, less out there structures and it was an overall disappointing affair. OMRTS shares this same ideal but has the perfect balance between new and old. Each song seemingly begins with an easy to follow riff, but then in the three minute mark seems to go completely off course. No easy feat to turn just the one song on its head, let alone a full album, but they have crafted the perfect compromise.
Almost echoing the idea of the album itself, take lead single “High Road” this is page one Mastodon, beginning with a catchy yet crushing riff, then out of nowhere were segued into the progressive psychedelic madness, but just for a moment. There is very much, a less is more approach on this album. It is, at the same time, the most ambitious and the most straight forward Mastodon have ever been. Each song follows the Once More ‘Round the Sun ideal, beginning with one riff then moving into a second more evolved piece, but very much keeping in mind the idea of the title of the album. Almost all songs on the record have a ying and a yang sense to them, but Mastodon have found the perfect amount of light and dark.
“Aunt Lisa” is a fantastic track beginning with the standard atonal Mastodon lead line Brent Hinds has become known for and ending with a triumphant riff along with slightly menacing female chanting. Followed immediately by “Ember City” a five minute, riff fest with a particularly psychedelic solo at the end and the absolute banger that is “Halloween” with one of the best bridges in a long time.
Using simple techniques carefully and writing songs with a perfect flow Mastodon have crafted an absolute masterpiece. It may not be the 12 minute epics that we came to know in Crack the Skye or the absolute onslaught that is Blood and Thunder but its Mastodon coming into its own and truly finding the perfect balance. Although they may not be fast, or particularly flashy or have growling vocals Mastodon are the most forward thinking and in the true meaning heaviest band on the planet.
