Artist: Mastodon
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: 8/31/04
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Title: Leviathan Artist: Mastodon Label: Relapse Records Release Date: 8/31/04 |
Judgment Committee Reviews | Rating |
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Abyss's Review:
Any band that received as much uniform praise as Mastodon did with their last full-length, Remission, has to be prepared for a more critical eye on their follow up album. The simple fact is that expectations are much higher for this record, and because of this the average reviewer may be much harder to impress. But I'm not the average reviewer (hell, I barely even qualify at all), and I can say without a moment's hesitation that Leviathan is exactly what the title suggests, a massive, menacing presence.Mastodon have solidified their claim to being one of the most original and important bands in metal today. They continue to utilize a unique blend of southern rock, odd arrangements and oppressive heavy metal. In short, Mastodon is a juggernaut of interesting and challenging music. The rhythm section continues to stand out, much like it did in the band's earlier work, coming at the listener from all sides. It is as unpredictable as it is compelling, anchoring the songs, but not overshadowing them.
"One word review: Bravo!" The production is a little crisper than their last album, which might initially turn some fans off (just about anything different seems to piss some metal fans off), but I think it makes the overall product sound more accomplished. The vocals also drift into more accessible territory on this release, but fear not, despite the fact that they are 'cleaner' they still retain an edge that keeps this album grounded.
Ever since I first saw this band live I've thought of them as a 'metal jam band' and I can't wait to see this new material performed on stage. The riffs are easy to listen to but aren't obvious or contrived; they're catchy but not commercial. The simple fact is that this band is looking at music from a different perspective than their peers, and the end product is impressive. They avoid meandering too far off of the path, but continuously surprise the listener, hitting a perfect stride between experimentation and improvisation encompassed within songs you can sing along with.
Mastodon hit this one out of the park, delivering in all areas. This album shows growth, but respects their established sound and caters to the fan in all of us. Mastodon have deserved all of the praise they've received, and are one of the most important bands in metal today. Let the inevitable backlash begin! One word review: Bravo!
Death's Review:
Masotdon is ready to explode and you can get on board now or get the fuck out of the way. Mastodon clearly have the potential to be huge, a next level juggernaut of epic proportions. Think the next Metallica. Seriously. Mastodn freakin' rule, and everyone who sees them live realizes this, as will everyone who seriously listens to their new record, Leviathan. From the artwork, to the production to the musicianship to the songwriting to the literary basis for the Moby Dick-centered album title and lyrics, everything about this album screams professional and intense. Even the band's name effectively communicates the raw, unbridled power the music conveys. Mastodon take the best elements of diverse bands like Metallica, Opeth, Iron Maiden, Neurosis and Death and combine them into something dirty, raw, lumbering and massive, yet precise, expressive, intricate and tight. Melodic guitar harmonies and intense tribal jams; complex technicality and punishing heaviness. This band just has that esoteric extra element that you can never define but that you know when you hear it, that element that elevates a band from great to all-time classic status. Mastodon is already there, I think. You often hear people say "band x may be the future of metal." Read my lips: Mastodon are the future of metal. Like I said, you can either become a part of the inevitable, or you can simply step aside.
"Read my lips: Mastodon are the future of metal."
Hel's Review:
How does one even begin to describe the music of Mastodon to a newcomer? “Brilliant” is the adjective which invariably comes to mind. Their songwriting skills are unparalleled, taking the listener through twisting avenues of sound, to ultimately arrive at exactly the spot you knew it should, but with absolutely no clear knowledge of how you arrived there. The songs are delivered deftly, yet performed with a level of musicianship that is nothing short of astounding.
"Leviathan is absolutely fantastic." I know what those of you who are already familiar with this amazing band are thinking: Can they come close to topping Remission? Well, since an issue like this depends on your perspective, so you’re going to have to listen to it to decide for yourself, but it is my opinion that they, at a minimum, managed to equal it, and quite probably did indeed top it, though I’ll need to ponder the hierarchy a bit longer to properly solidify it in my mind. I tend to have great difficulty discussing the albums I enjoy most, and Leviathan proves to be no exception. The fact that Mastodon is a musical entity unlike any other on the face of the planet certainly does nothing to alleviate this problem.
The backbone of Mastodon is the songwriting, but it is the indomitable skill of the musicians in the band who are able to bring these epic songs to life. Each instrument is played deftly, and in ways that you heretofore may not have imagined possible. Top all of this off with pristine production, and you have an undisputable contender for album of the year. To be honest, I have been dragging my feet, taking forever to write this review, mostly because I have been clinging to this as an excuse to keep it in my player for as long as possible. You can be assured that it will return there again before long, and will continue to do so for a long time to come. Stop by the music store on your way to work on August 31, so you can begin your enjoyment at the soonest possible moment – you’ll regret it if you don’t. Leviathan is absolutely fantastic.
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