While I profess to be a music journalist, I know my limitations. I have listened to Crack the Skye a number of times, yet it is hard to articulate Mastodon's latest offer. Should I do a comparison to their last album, 2006's Blood Mountain? Should I talk about how proggy it is? The bizarre concept behind the album? I couldn't make up my mind, so I decided just to talk about what I liked about the album and why you should haul yer ass to the record store and buy it. No iTunes - get a hard copy of the cover art and liner notes, please. Yes I know I'm old school but I like liner notes.
With many bands, even my absolute favorite band of all time, Judas Priest, it always seems like the first couple of albums are usually considered their best. The rawness of the first and / or second album usually signifies the hunger of a band who are desperate to show the world what they have to offer. When they get into their third and / or fourth album, bands tend to get a bit lazy - or desperate. The laziness might come from having a substantial fan base and because they have earned even more money that they initially thought they would, they lose that creative spark that initially propelled their uniqueness in the conformist and bland musical landscape. Money? Well, some have gotten caught up in all the material trappings of the stereotypical rock n' roll lifestyle and their social and personal lives have become more important than creating art and pushing themselves to explore new and intriguing ways to create music for the masses.
I think that one of the many reasons why I think that Crack the Skye is so unbelievably good is because even though it is Mastodon's fourth disc, it is so unbelievably different and unique from their stellar full-length debut, Remission - in a good way. The first time I heard 2002's Remission I thought that the back of my head was going to fly off. It was so loud, brutal and gritty, yet there was an experimentation that existed that challenged the standard metal listener as to what their standard definition of what 'Metal' really is. I appreciated that, as well as the bands further explorations into unique sounds, layers and signature time changes in both 2004's Leviathan and Blood Mountain.
Blood Mountain was a critical,if not a commercial success - to the level of Britney Spears or the Jonas Brother's million dollar sales statuses. All the hipsters loved it, as I witnessed ( with dismay) at the Brooklyn show last year. But Crack the Skye really is a masterpiece. Not everyone will love it, but they have to appreciate that Mastodon really took a creative jump with this album, a concept album in which the protagonist goes on a harrowing journey to self-discovery? Czar Russia and Rasputin(?) I was trying to convince a friend of mine via Facebook why she should take a listen and I initially said, 'If you appreciate Pink Floyd or Yes, you'll like this.'
But in hindsight, It was unfair to really compare this album to bands of the past because it infers that they are attempting something similar, which is not the case. I like the undeniable fact that Mastodon, despite the accolades they have received from the Indie and metal press, have always done what they wanted, regardless of the risks. The music is beautiful and harrowing, soft and melodic but with ravaged edges. No this is not a standard 'metal' album - it's too melodic and experimental, but just as bruutal as anything they have created in the past. I listened to "The Last Baron" for the fourth time today and I still cannot even describe the complexities (including a surprising foray into free form-ish jazz) the ups and downs of the 13 minute track. Previously I've waxed poetic about 'Divinations' which despite being the album's more user friendly single, really was a exciting glimpse of what was yet to come. Brett Hinds and Troy Sanders actually sing on all of the tracks, except for 'Crack the Skye' which was handled by Neurosis' Scott Kelly. Despite the alleged nutcase Hinds supposedly is, he has got an amazing, albeit nasal voice and Sanders (besides being totally hot) is just incredible. I have heard that drummer Brann Dailor sings on this too (I'm guessing the opening track 'Oblivion' but correct me if I'm wrong).
Anyway, I know that I am totally giving this album a total, ahem, 'hand job' but I am really appreciative of this effort. Again, it will challenge your definition of what you once considered a metal band, but it is well worth the consideration. I think that music lovers should really appreciate artists that despite this era of manufactured pop shit that crowds the airwaves and video stations.... and makes untalented people very, very rich, that there are at least four men from Atlanta who feel strong, confident in their talents and are staying true to their artistic vision.....and are willing to take risks. The tanking economy and the dismal decline of the music industry, be dammed!
