Mastodon--Remission
Relapse 2002
Most of the best extreme metal bands these days do an amazing job blending various styles to create new textures in sound. With Remission, Mastodon must be considered amongst the vanguard of that movement. This is an album of multi-layered metal that is nothing short of brilliant.
While Mastodon's sound is very multifaceted, it is rooted somewhere in the neighborhood of Napalm Death and especially Neurosis. The twist is, throughout Remission, there is also an element of Southern sludge bubbling just underneath the surface. This goes a long way in preserving the soul of the music and prevents things from being overly tight and sterile sounding--usually a problem with such a complex architecture. Add this strong base sound to the multitude of other reference points Mastodon weaves in and out of their music, and you've got a real monster on your hands.
The impressive thing is that through all the activity going on, the songs themselves don't get overwhelmed and suffer for it. Remission is solidly written from top to bottom. Standouts include "Where Strides The Behemoth," a song augmented nicely by some impressive jazz-based noodling. However, the best moment of Remission is its doomiest, "March Of The Fire Ants." The guitar is so massive and enveloping on this track it helps a lot in bringing out and complimenting the sludginess of their core sound.
These examples only provide a brief glimpse of what Mastodon is all about. To fully appreciate Remission, you've got to hear it with your own ears. It's one of those albums where you'll probably continue to hear things even years after your initial taste--one of those albums that really matters and can potentially stand the test of time. Those are the best kind.
Score this CD directly from RELAPSE
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