Mastodon - Leviathan

Mastodon
Leviathan
Relapse Records
Grade: A-

In an apparent quest to piss off radio music directors with several thirty second tracks compromising a song, Atlanta-based Mastodon unleash their second full-length for Relapse and humanity in general. After their quick 2001 EP Lifesblood, Mastodon offered up one of 2002’s top metal records Remission. That record plus an onslaught of touring has moved the four-piece quickly up the metal ranks in both recognition and influence. Yet, it is not entirely out of the blue as drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher demolished individuals in their previous Rochester, NY bands Today is the Day and Lethargy; how could anyone forget Lethargy’s record It’s Hard to Write with a Small Hand? With bassist Troy Sanders and vocalist/guitarist Brent Hinds, Dailor and Kelliher are able to enjoy the warm climate and excel in their craft. Though mimicking Remission, Leviathan presents more of a storytelling atmosphere to the ten tracks. The deal here is that each song is actually ten tracks – coming in at around forty seven minutes. So, the opener “Blood and Thunder” begins on track 1 and the next song “I Am Ahab” starts at track 10 and so on. Mastodon merges their grinding days of yore with mainline metal and kisses of southern rock from time to time. While “Blood and Thunder” serves as a sufficient introduction to the record, it takes awhile for Mastodon to get warmed up, move beyond simple walls of sound and develop more complicated and fascinating guitar and song schemes. Echoes appear on “I Am Ahab” and with riffling at the end of “Seabeast,” but “Island” is the first track to truly bring the flair to the forefront. “Iron Tusk” is measured with ultra-heavy riffs that mirror Sabbath, while “Megalodon” follows and illustrates Mastodon breadth. It takes awhile for “Megalodon” to get moving, but with a sweet southern rock riff the song moves to militant Ministry-style guitars and speed interspersed with Mastodon’s own signature. “Naked Gun” displays some groove on the verse though carries the day with its dazzling guitars and story-like panache. Between “Megalodon” and “Naked Gun,” Mastodon makes the case for hottest metal band in the now. “Aqua Dementia” screams its way along, while “Hearts Alive” languishes with slight jazz-infused metal. “Hearts Alive” presents its best picture on its final track within (number 89) and an array of moments. Leviathan closes in a total crap way with the instrumental ballad “Joseph Merrick” that should have never been included. Save for “Joseph Merrick,” this is a great sophomore record from one the fastest raising metal groups in the world. If you have the opportunity, and there aren’t like fifty bands on the bill, certainly check out the juggernaut that is Mastodon.