From the moment Atlanta-based Mastodon emerged onto the heavy metal scene, it was obvious they were going to be a special kind of band. Whether it's the screaming vocals, the crunching guitar riffs or the merging of progressive rock and metal, Mastodon have proven that they can take over Metallica's throne. Here's a play list perfect for a work-out or road trip, starting with some of Mastodon's lighter songs and moving into their most hard-core.
Oblivion
From their newest release, Crack The Skye, this is an easy song to get into for fans of metal who aren't used to much screaming from lead singers. Like all of Mastodon's best songs, this one has a story. It's the beginning of a CD-long story, in fact, detailing a young man's spiritual journey back in time, into the body of the legendary Rasputin. The opening guitar riff sets the dark scene.
The Bit
Originally written by The Melvins, Mastodon began covering the song live and eventually put it out on an EP that's available by download. Mastodon's singers bring out the true grit of this song and help it achieve the potential (and airplay) it deserves.
The Czar
A poetic song that starts out slow, relying on keyboards and a slow tempo as the band details the assassination plot against the protagonist of their story. Midway through the song, the hypnotic rhythm dissipates and the guitars get heavier, breaking into the second part and bassist Troy Sanders lets loose his growling vocals.
Megalodon
Things are getting heavier now. From their epic Leviathan album, this song starts out with Mastodon's trademark off-beat riffs and dives deep midway through until the vocals are screaming, the guitars are screeching, and the bass is thumping. Drummer Brann Dailor guides everything with an expert hand, giving this song guidance and a unique rhythm.
Colony of Birchmen
From their Blood Mountain album, one of the best of the album. The beginning provides layered vocals dueling with a marching guitar riff, giving the song an entirely eerie feeling. When the vocals disappear, the guitars take center stage, feeding off each other. One of the best parts about Mastodon's third EP are the stories contained within each of the songs: Nordic tales of blood-splattered heroes and the supernatural, all with a dark twist and a hint of jazzy rhythm that shows Mastodon's true talent.
Sleeping Giant
Troy Sanders can not only scream, he can sing, too. And when Mastodon wants to cut back on the harsher vocals, they know how to do it without losing their hard-rock edge. The guitars maintain their heavy edge, only now a catchy additional melody is peppered in to add to the mysterious, hypnotic nature of the album. This song should be listened to as loud as possible to take advantage of the sludgy guitar riffs.
March of the Fire Ants
This song from their first album, Remission, starts out heavy and strong, guided by a violent drum beat that moves the song along. The screams are heavy. The guitars are heavy. The song moves along at a quick pace and when Brent Hinds and Troy Sanders sing "an ocean turns yellow/it soothes the eye," you know these guys have the kind of talent to keep them going a long time.
Ken Brosky - Ken Brosky's first novel was published in fall 2007. He has more than a dozen short stories published in magazines including Skyline and ...
