Mastodon
Leviathan (2cd)
Wydane przez Relapse RecordsRok wydania 2004Kraj USANapisał Wouter9
Mastodon's unique mix of hardcore, technical progressive metal and stoner rock hasn't gone unnoticed. After releasing the "Lifesblood" EP, they soon after presented their full length debut "Remission" - which was pretty much a sleeper hit - until the mainstream discovered the genius of the band, building quite some excitement around the follow-up "Leviathan". Is "Leviathan" a worthy follow-up to the said debut? Full heartily: yes, it is! People who thought Mastodon would take the easy way out and write "Remission - part II" will discover quite a contrast. Retaining their unique sound, "Leviathan" sees Mastodon fleshing out tracks even more than on their debut. Just listen to the beginning of 'Seabeast' - which has pre-dominantly clean vocals through out. If 'March Of the Fire Ants' was easily the most accessible yet punishing track on the "Remission" cd, this album is shlock full of them. 'Island' is a typical Mastodon track with great trade-offs between the guitarists, a percussive groove and a logical songstructure that serves to consolidate why Mastodon have chosen their bandname so perfectly. The constant touring has paid off as the delivery is even tighter than it already was. 'Iron Tusk' displays Mastodon masterful songwriting skill and could be considered the 'Where Strides the Behemoth' of the "Leviathan" album - moreso, it even tops it. 'Naked Burn' shows just how much vocally has improved over the last record, in almost 4 minutes you'll hear more interesting vocal lines than every death metal record of the last 5 years thrown together. 'Hearts Alive' is the most daring cut on the record, lasting almost a full 14 minutes. In those 14 minutes you'll hear everything Mastodon is about, a synthesis of everything they did prior to this album. A truly inspiring track, to say the least. 'Joseph Merrick' is a continuation of themes started on "Remission". For the uninitiated, "Remission" had one track named 'Elephant Man' - well, Joseph Merrick was the name of the Elephant Man. Limited slipcase comes with an audio DVD. Mastodon fans can sleep on both ears, this record absolutely slays.
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