Mastodon- "Once More 'Round the Sun" (Reprise, 2014)

The sixth studio offering from critically acclaimed Georgia metal outfit Mastodon entitled "Once More 'Round the Sun" is an impressive step in the right direction for a band hellbent on avoiding monotony. Early on, tracks like "The Motherload" and "High Road" reveal the band's cool and collected approach to heavy, atmospheric songwriting that smoothly carries the listener on a nostalgic trip with Thin Lizzy lead guitar playing and Rush influenced progression.

Melodic without sacrificing the metal edge, Mastodon continues in tradition of bands like Neurosis (more on that later) who manage to retain their aggression even when they aren't necessarily playing at a sonic level that would obviously stand out as "heavy." "Chimes at Midnight," for example, blends melodic guitar playing with technical trash influences and powerful, almost operatic vocals that give the song an extra feeling of power and strength.


What I like about Mastodon's new album is that it is unapologetic about its progression and doesn't insult the listener with obvious nods to early records like "Remission" and "Leviathan." Although there are heavy elements to this record, it is done in a manner that compliments the band's new approach rather than avoids it by pretending that progression isn't there or noticeable. The overall mood of "Once More 'Round the Sun" is rather calming with the album feeling like a relaxing journey through sludgy metal tundras instead of a frantic chase with a wild, untamed beast. "Diamond in the Witch House," which features Neurosis founder Scott Kelly, is a sheer masterpiece and a meeting of the metal minds that holds power and beauty in a musical hand, crushes it, destroys it, resurrects it, then murders it again. The psychedelic qualities of the music and aesthetic will perhaps attract a new audience and could expand the band's appeal even more.


Overall, "Once More 'Round the Sun" showcases the band's inspirations, interests, and attention to detail when it comes to making quality records. With so many uninspired bands flooding the mainstream today, it's good to know that one of our own is courting it their own way.

8.5 /10

- Joe