Crack The Skye Review

Released: Mar 24, 2009
Genre: Progressive Metal / Sludge Metal
Label: Reprise
Number Of Tracks: 7
Lumbering riffs, layered, Ozzy-inspired vocals and a polish not heard on prior Mastodon efforts are the hallmarks of the Atlanta band's second major label effort, Crack the Skye.

Sound:	9.2
Lyrics:	8
Impression:	9
Overall rating:	8.7
Users rating:	9.4
Comments:	135

overall: 8

Featured review by: UG Team, on march 25, 2009

Sound: For much of their career, Atlanta’s Mastodon have created music that is the sonic equivalent of dusting off centuries of accumulated dirt from a long-buried fossil. The leaden yet lengthy songs moved much like the extinct, mammothian beast from which the band borrowed it's name. Mastodon became the band du jour in both the extreme metal scene as well as among hipsters. With Crack The Skye, their second major label release, the band’s tradition of artsy metal remains in full effect. Noted producer Brendan O’Brien manned the boards for Crack The Skye, so there is an obvious polish to much of the music. It’s unexpected, at least from Mastodon. The clean vocals on “Oblivion” remind us of Ozzy Osbourne, thanks to their nasally tone. But it’s the oddity of the sound that allows the song to be so charming. There are jammy moments, a sprinkling of shred here and there and through it all, the band layers nuance atop nuance in a complicated, artistic way. “Quintessence” is a moody song that can lull you into a trance with it's hypnotic riffing. Mastodon are proof that metal doesn’t have to be quite so lunkheaded without sacrificing an ounce of force and aggression to make it's points. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: Singer/bassist Troy Sanders has evolved the most in Mastodon. He’s singing for his supper more than ever on Crack The Skye, but a song like “Divinations” is slightly hampered by what sounds like over processing of his vocals. It’s a solid slab of hard rock, but the vocals are a bit too cooked. It might take one or two or 15 listens for the vocal style on this song to stop being discontinuous. Other than that, Sanders has boldly and bravely taken a step up here, emitting words that are much more decipherable than that of past Mastodon efforts. The band remains rooted in that mythical vibe, lyrically speaking, which lets Crack The Skye be a sonic journey through and through. The album, also reported to be a bit of an homage to drummer Brann Dailor’s late sister Skye, touches on themes of the art of Tsarist Russia and Stephen Hawking theories. To say that it’s thought provoking and extraordinary would be, well, putting it mildly. // 7

Impression: What to make of Mastodon in 2009? They’re still the same crusty and extremely talented metal dudes from Atlanta. Only they’re making music for Warner Bros. Instead of Relapse. The band still has more in common with former Relapse bands like Neurosis than, say, current labelmates like My Chemical Romance or Disturbed. Signing to a major label didn’t equate to selling out with Mastodon; they’re still churning out leviathan-sized riffs, inserting unexpected twists in the middle of a groove that can loosen your teeth from your gums. There’s a bit of polish added to Crack The Skye and what the hell? It’s the band’s prerogative and if we don’t evolve and grow, we die. The mythic Mastodon creature didn’t learn that lesson. It’s a good thing that Mastodon the band did. // 8

- Amy Sciarretto (c) 2009

overall: 10

Reviewed by: ace rules, on march 24, 2009

Sound: After getting into a fight with SOAD bassist Shavo Odadjian, an inebriated Brent Hinds was hospitalized with brain hemorrhaging. A devastating experience for Mastodon at the time but it would later result in amazing music written on an acoustic guitar by It's main music contributor.

The overall wibe on the record is a Classic Rock, Creepy, Psychedelic, Metal, Mastodon kind of sound. Just listen to the intro in Oblivion or Ghost Of Karelia and you will know what I’m talking about. They have even used a keyboard player to raise the tension on the more Psychedelic/Proggy tracks Quintessence, Oblivion, The Last Baron and Crack The Skye. I think it makes the songs fit into the spaced-out theme that is on the album real good.

Guitar: Even though the album consist of a lot of amazing harmonies and "moods" as I want to call it, written mostly by Mr. Hinds, the riffs on Crack The Skye is top notch as usual. I have to say that Brent and Bill is in my opinion the strongest guitar force in Hard-rock and Metal right now. The best riffs can be find in the last, crazy 13 minute long song The Last Baron but also in the singles Oblivion and Divinations.

There's also a lot of soloing going on which there has not been a lot of during previous records. Brent is using the old school approach to his playing and it brings flavor to the songs. I especially like the ones in Oblivion and The Czar.

Bass: As on the previous records, Troy Sanders has become famous for his fluency on the bass and way of using distortion pedals (and on this album even a Taurus foot synthesizer). This makes Mastodon sound more dynamic and broader and helps to get the creepy sounds that these songs needed and have.

Drums: We all know Brann Dailor as a force behind the drum kit and on this album he is continuing to develop. And by developing I don't mean adding more fills and different techniques as there could be a little too much of on previous records. Brann has matured behind the drum kit and the focus is more on adding groove and feel to the songs which was necessary on this record I think. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: Lyrics: Mastodon has since Blood Mountain continued to develop their writing skills. The lyrics go real deep on this one and the themes are about astral travel, out of body experiences and the Tsarist Russia. Quiet spaced-out but it's just what an album like this need.

Singing: Brent and Troy have during a course of three albums developed their singing/screaming skills and this album is not an exception. They have chosen to lay of the screaming a bit but it was necessary to make it fit with the music, the vocals is exactly right for this album.

Even drummer Brann Dailor is contributing on the opening track Oblivion and I got to tell you that he sounds great, who new he could sing. My favorite vocal part on the album is still Brent’s aggressive performance on first single Divinations.

Also, as on the two previous records the Mastodudes invited Scott Kelly from Neurosis to do some screaming on the title track Crack the Skye, another genius move by the guys because on a Mastodon album you need some screaming. // 10

Impression: I'm gonna to go out on a limb and say that this is the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade. If someone can tell me a better one, do it! The Last Baron, Oblivion and Divinations stand out as the best tracks but I have to say that I like em' all SO much. I've really missed an album like this since I got into Psychedelic Rock a la Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin, but don't get me wrong, there is plenty of Metal stuff going on too.

This is an all time classic and I'm recommending it to everyone that is into Metal and Rock. // 10

overall: 8.7

Reviewed by: GuitarHero_jp, on march 30, 2009

Sound: Well this is Mastodons 5th effort (If you count 'Call Of The Mastodon') and their 3rd concept album. If you didn't know already, Remission is based on fire (although not a concept album), Leviathan is based on Water and Blood Mountain Ground. Crack The Skye is based on an element called 'Ether' which is mainly what space is.

I feel that Mastodon have created a different feel for each album and this is deffinatly different to other Mastodon albums. It has more of a space feel to it and is allot more melodic. Blood Mountain was no doubt there most progressive effort to date and Crack the Skye has probably beaten that. They have introduced keyboards, more percusion and acousitc guitars mixed with electric. There is a guest appearance from Neurosis Scott Kelly (who also appeard on albums such as Leaviathan and Blood Mounatin) on the albums title tarck. // 9

Lyrics and Singing: The concept of the story is complicated, Brann Dailor said "There is a paraplegic and the only way that he can go anywhere is if he astral travels. He goes out of his body, into outer space and a bit like Icarus, he goes too close to the sun, burning off the golden umbilical cord that is attached to his solar plexus. He is lost in space and is sucked into a wormhole. Spirit's send him to a Russian cult and use him as a Divination and they find out his problem. They put his soul inside Rasputin's body. Rasputin goes to usurp the czar and he is murdered. The two souls fly out of Rasputin's body through the crack in the sky(e) Rasputin tells the child to leave and go home. Rasputin needs to get him back into his body before it's too late. But they end up running into the Devil along the way and the Devil tries to steal their souls and bring them down…there are some obstacles along the way." Pretty complicated story huh?

As for the singing, there is deffinatly more melodic vocals and catchy chouruses on this album. Just listen to Oblivion or Divinations to see what I mean. There are allot of different singers on the album to make a change from just Troy singing. For example, drummer Brann Dailor sings for the first time for Mastodon in the verse for Oblivion. Brent (Hinds) sings the chorus for the same song. The verse to Divinations is shared by Troy and Brent. Brent has always done allot of singing for the band, as heard on Capillarian Crest from Blood Mountain. Scott Kelly who has appeared on previous Mastodon albums sings on Crack the Skye. He deffinatly suit's the song as the band said it is the heaviest song on the album. // 8

Impression: This album only has 7 tracks, but I'm gonna review them all for ya anyway.

01.Oblivion: starts with a relativly slow riff by Mastodons standards, but then picks up. Brann sings the verse and gives quite a strange effect. He has a clean vocal style and is allot different to Troy and Brents style. The chorus is brillianty catchy which you wouldn't expect from Mastodon. This song has one of my favourite Mastodon solo's. It's really bluesy and that's what I love.
02.Divinations: I fell in love with this song as soon as it came out and they made a video for it! I couldn't wait for the album to come out. The things I love about this song is the catchy verse and then going into a melodic chorus. This song also has a good solo.
03.Quintessence: I'm not really sure what to say about this song although it is brilliant... If that makes sense? Lol. My favourite part of the song is the 'Let it go' part before going into another melodic chorus
04.The Czar: this song has four parts to it: I Usurper II Escape III Martyr IV Spiral and it goes on for 10 mins. Usurper has a great intro, it gives a feeling of being in space before going into the verse. This then breaks into Escape and picks up the pace with a great riff.
05.Ghost Of Karelia: starts with a percussion intro and breaks into a great main riff. The only part I don't like in this song is the 'Whoah' bit in the verse. You'll see when you hear it lol.
06.Crack The Skye: the title tarck has one of my favourite riffs on. In the intro. The verse has Scott Kelly from Neurosis on vocals to give a heavy effect for the song. It mixes well with the Double bass from Brann and the low guitar tuning. When Troy comes in with the singing it gives a great effect, again very melodic. It's a great build up song for the epic closer.
07.The Last Baron: well for those of you who loved Hearts Alive from Leviathan, here is another 13 min epic. It may not have as many riffs as Hearts Alive but it certainly closes the album perfectly. It starts with an acoustic riff and Troy starts singing only 8 seconds into the song wheras on Hearts Alive it takes him over 2 mins for the singing to start. There is a bit in the midle of the song that I don't like. it's a really progressive riff and kinda just mental shreddy riffs. But the ending to the song finishes on a great epic solo from Brent. And yet again, the Mastodon lads do not dissapoint!

I strongly reccomend any Metal or Rock fan to buy this album! And if you can try to buy the special edition with the bonus dvd, it's worth a watch. I'm glad I blew my money on this album! // 9

overall: 9.3

Reviewed by: thelastbaron, on april 01, 2009

Sound: Mastodon are one of perhaps a handful of bands in recent years whose sound has genuinely evolved from record to record. From the crushing brutality of Remission to the the hallucinatory and seasick inducing riffs of Leviathan and then the psychedelic and frantic efforts of Blood Mountain, Mastodon have undoubtedly proven their ability to create albums which are not simply a collection of interesting tunes but are rather magnificent standalone works of art.

Their latest offering, Crack the Skye, is perhaps their most focused album to date and also their most personal. The Skye of the title comes from Skye Dailor, Brann's sister, who commited suicide at the age of 14.

In terms of sound the album is far more brooding than Leviathan and Remission, focusing more on building an enveloping sonic landscape through the use echoing riffs and arpeggios, which draw the listener in to the song. The first track, Oblivion, is a great example of this, featuring Brann, Troy and Brent to sing the verse, pre-chorus and chorus respectively; the overall effect of this is quite stunning, as each of the boys' melodic singing turns effortlessly melt into the next one. Bearing all this in mind, however, the Divinations track which follows is a pure blast of Mastodon paddywhackery, featuring a banjo-sounding intro, classic anguished screaming and a rip-roaring legato solo from Brent. The two songs which for me best encapsulated the mood of the record were The Czar, a song in four parts, which is about Grigori Rasputin (within the context of the album's stroy), and The Last Baron. These two songs are epic in their scope, feature a variety of contrasting heavy and ponderous riffs and spaced-out guitar parts, which overlap and repeat to form an elegant and stunning whole.Overall, Crack the Skye is a genre-defying sonic triumph. // 10

Lyrics and Singing: There are two ways which one can look at the lyrics of Crack The Skye. The first is in the immediate sense of each song. In this respect, the lyrics when combined with the music serve to paint an abstract picture, which can conjure up any number of emotions, ranging from hope to fear to deolation and loneliness. The second way (which can actually be combined with the first) is to look at each line in the context of the overarcing story and concept of the album. For example, Oblivion deals with the time when the protaganist's link to his body is burned while on one of his out of body experiences, the Czar deals with Grigori Rasputin on the night of his murder by members of the Russian nobility. However, as standalone tracks they exhibit a sense of desperation and have a decidedly trippy feel. It is this multi-layered effect of the lyrics which gives them their striking nature. // 8

Impression: The overall impression I have of the album is an exceptionally positive one. Mastodon are successfully carving out a position for themselves as the Led Zeppelin of the modern day metal world, crafting albums which spawn a mythology, an aura which the listener feels an ever-growing need to be a part of. Although Mastodon have clearly been influenced by artists both classics and contemporary, it is more in terms of ideology and ethics than sound, as they are a band who constantly sound fresh and unique, an anomaly in a sea of soundalike and trend-following bands. // 10

Reviewed by: unregistered, on march 27, 2009

Sound: I would say if you loved 'Blood Mountain' and 'Leviathan', you may be disappointed when you hear this for the first time. Sure, Brent Hinds' hybrid picking style is still there in all it's glory, Brann Dailor still fires off on the drums, but it's just missing something. And that something is power.

Sure the album is plenty pretty with melodies and harmonies and lyrics you can actually hear, but it lacks the darkness and crunch that elevated their previous releases from just prog metal novelty. The huge riffs of 'The Wolf Is Loose' and 'Blood And Thunder' just aren't here, and neither is the fury from 'Siberian Divide'.

Indeed both 'Quintessence' and 'Ghost Of Karelia' are reminiscent of the penultimate track from 'Blood Mountain' but both just meander around Brent Hinds' trademark sound, leaving you without the payoff of 'Siberian. 's huge riff towards the end leaving you unfulfilled.

'Divinations' is the obvious single and features some of the albums best riffs and a cool surf rock section towards the end. But it just seems like Mastodon by numbers, a bit formulaic.

'Oblivion' may be the best song on the album, heavy, churning riffs and a more metal sound than the rest of the album. I suppose you could call it a ballad, it's slow but there is a hint of darkness to it.

'The Czar' is one of the few songs which showcases Troy Sanders bass, on a light and ethereal track driven by Brent Hinds vocals and riffing. It chugs forward from intricate Radiohead-esque beginning, to a Randy Rhoads circa Bark at the Moon riff, to more angular clean riff and back to the beginning. Pretty Cool, but it doesn't really make you feel anything like, say the end of 'Capillirian Crest' did.

'Crack The Skye' the title track is a bit like 'Sleeping Giant', a bit like early Mastodon. It features Scott Kelly from Neurosis again and is a real standout. The sludgy metal riff of the verse gives way to a soaring chorus and a glimpse of what Mastodon are truly capable of.

'The Last Baron' is a good ending for the album. The intro reminds you of 'Pendulous Skin' but goes on a bit too long at 3 minutes. Then it steps up to the plate with a rapid riff and lots of bass drum from Brann. Then it does what Mastodon does best, rapidly and effortlessly moving from complex riff to complex riff in an impressive fashion. // 8

Lyrics and Singing: This is essentially a vocals driven album. Troy and Brent have obviously worked on their voices, and it shows. This album showcases much more clean vocals from the two than previous efforts, and it gives Mastodon a more unique vocal sound, separating them from their previous stereotypical metalcore screams.

Like 'Blood Mountain' the lyrics are often atmospheric, but Brent and Troy craft a more meaningful series of songs through their improved vocals, and the lyrics now mean a lot more than previously.

'Oblivion' is a perfect example of this. Troy cries out with passion 'how can I tell you that I've failed? '. Brent sounds world weary when he sighs 'Now I'm lost in Oblivion' and the whole song is vocally a cut above what they've accomplished before.

'Crack The Skye' deals quite explicitly with Brann's sister Skye's suicide. 'Momma don't let them take her/ Don't let them take her down'. This is a departure for the band, as is the fact lyrics are clearly audible on this album. Before, they were really just a fifth instrument, without carrying much message.

Problem is, there is little subtlety and rhymes seem clunky overly simplistic. For example 'Enemies poison deep within my second sight/ Wasting valuable time' which doesn't look too bad but it just sounds horrible on the album. The chorus of 'Oblivion' only narrowly avoids this fate. // 7

Impression: This may be the rebirth of prog rock, but that's not why I bought the album. I wanted heavy, sludgy riffs and mad breakdowns and it doesn't deliver. However, this is an album that grows on you and it is a great achievement. 'Oblivion' and 'Crack The Skye' are what I'll be listening to for the rest of the year.

Ultimately, though, as a bass player, there's nothing here I'm itching to learn unlike 'Crystal Skull' and 'Colony of Birchmen' from their previous album. In fact the whole rhythm section of Bill, Troy and Brann seem underrepresented on the album which is driven by Brent Hinds. Brann Dailor's madcap drumming just isn't as noticeable, Bill Kelliher's solid rhythm work and heavy metal sensibilities are missing, and Troy is barely audible for much of the album.

So should you buy the album? Probably yes. Its a grower and features some great songs and riffs. But if you are going to buy one Mastodon album, I'd recommend you buy 'Blood Mountain'. // 8

Comments

[CptRevell]

Getting this when I go home. Should be sweet.

[Lion_Slicer]

NEED NOW!!! Mastodon are the current gods of prog metal, and every indication is that this album rules everything. I've only heard Divinations so far, and I love it. The singning was quite unexpected, but it fit in will, and I love the riffs! Music video is awesome too. I'm off, I'm buying this ASAP.

[mindup]

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I dunno about that but its a damn good album, its definately pretty high up on my list.

[krisestfou]

good review.cant wait to listen to it!

[IRONMAIDENTLICA]

I NEED TO GET THIS, DAMN IT!! IT LOOKS INSANE.

[odb56]

man , in ****in europe its comin out on the 27th ...what a bullshit =/

[r0derik1990]

i love it..
It really kicks ass. At first i had doubtrs if it was the right mastodon. (very few screaming) But i love it. great job by the boys

[randyaintdead82]

gaaahhhh i have no money to but it GOD DAMMIT!!!!! who wants to give me money???

[randyaintdead82]

and theyre playing this in its entirety live this ill be pure orgasm

[IRONMAIDENTLICA]

randyaintdead82 wrote:

gaaahhhh i have no money to but it GOD DAMMIT!!!!! who wants to give me money???

HERE, HERES 10 INTERNET DOLLARS, GO BUY IT AND MAKE ME A COPY.

[gizmodious]

This album is ****ing gold. Pure, ground-breaking, conceptual/progressive GOLD.

[6stringz89]

The Czar is the best song, imo

[AtrumVox]

Damnit why won't they come to Florida! Great CD, wouldn't say best in this decade (Blackwater Park?) but is definatly up there

[lord_yggdrasill]

it's amazing. listening right now :]

[randyaintdead82]

IRONMAIDENTLICA wrote:

randyaintdead82 wrote:

gaaahhhh i have no money to but it GOD DAMMIT!!!!! who wants to give me money???

HERE, HERES 10 INTERNET DOLLARS, GO BUY IT AND MAKE ME A COPY.

thank ya sir

[Galvatron]

I will have to go buy this tommorow.Good reviews all around.

[x13xWrAiThx13x]

I bought it today. Fuckin amazing. They're at the top of their game.

[saint_berzerker]

Zep and Hendrix? Ugh....I hope it's a lot better than that.

[LarksTongue67]

saint_berzerker wrote:

Zep and Hendrix? Ugh....I hope it's a lot better than that.

The album cover art sort of reminded me of a tripped out heavy Bold As Love art a bit, haha.

This album rules. The video for Divinations is epic.

[shroomhound]

I just got the album about an hour ago. After 1 listen, I have to say its good but I don't think I could write a review on it yet. I think this review was rushed into a little. 'Czar' kicks arse.

[heartfullofsoul]

Bought it today because I couldn't wait for the super deluxe pre-order to come in the mail. Put it in and cranked it up. It's been on repeat since then and I'm pulling an all-nighter. Amazing.

[almosthero17]

bought it this morning and already listened to it like 20 times

love it

[metalclash22]

this is my favorite album by Mastodon in a while! i enjoyed it.

[Shustermeister]

Eh. I think id have to be a stoner to enjoy this album more. Creds to the instrumental work, just couldnt get into it.

[korinaflyingv]

I really need this album...

[Shazazmic]

Amazing album. Fawking amazing. I downloaded it early (before I get flamed, I also order the special edition) to get a listen in, and well I haven't been able to stop listening to it...

[Mazzakazza]

I bought it on the release day...it's ****ing great! Now I gotta catch these guys on tour.

[UK4tw]

I love this album, 'The Czar' is an amazing track, love the clean vocals on 'Crack The Skye', they work well with whoever that guest vocalist is. An all round great piece of work from these guys.

If I could describe some of the transitions from mellow to groovy to heavy they would be best thought of like this... chilling out on a sun lounger ----> getting up and having a bit of a dance ----> getting kicked in the balls.

[CarlosRamirez]

The Osbourne-like vocals on this album are ****ing brilliant!

[SirShredfast]

wonder how much money UG got for whoring the album

anyway, Blackwater Park is definitely the album of the decade, this doesn't come close nough, sorry, but we all know it's true.

maybe the next one, Mastodon (they said it'll come out soon)

[hoondog]

no offense but you cant give an album a true review in a day. so shut the **** up and listen to it for awhile.

[Josh Laiho]

I got this album yesterday, but was not able to listen to it, because I was really busy doing other things, but I've listened to it twice today and I'm listening to it a third time now. I'm letting it sink in before I actually give my opinion on it.

[Reviewer Pete]

Very good one.

Good review. Checked.

[idle_tooth]

This album gave my soul a hard on.

[david_safc]

Does anyone from the UK know if Sainsburys keep this record in stock?

[im not mental]

brilliant album. the last baron = jizz in my pants.

[GuitarHero_jp]

This is the best album of 2009!

[Jack_Sibelius]

mindup wrote:

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I dunno about that but its a damn good album, its definately pretty high up on my list.

Best metal album? Lateralus and 10.000 Days. Nuff said.

[dark&broken]

Jack_Sibelius wrote:

mindup wrote:

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I dunno about that but its a damn good album, its definately pretty high up on my list.

Best metal album? Lateralus and 10.000 Days. Nuff said.

How can you even compare them?

Tool and Mastodon are the Gods of hard rock and metal of this decade. They're both head and shoulders above the rest in their own way.

[l3xbi]

Yeah because tool are really metal?
I just bought this album, as well as the divinations MP3 a couple of weeks back, I love this band. Blood Mountain was such an inspiring CD.

[Vinnie5]

Sick

[jamie_hough]

The first review by UG is good... the second one giving all round 10's is not. Im sick of people putting reviews up of their favourite bands who have no mind of their own to criticise and examine, sure its an 8 or 9, but its not a 10... I dont know what is...

Checked.

I need to pick up this album.

[fartsyjoe420]

this album covers a lot of ground and is definitely one of my favorite albums in the past few years. mastodon has always rocked hard in their own way, and this is just a much more polished attempt to continue doing that. great album, worth all the hype.

[thesickest1]

this is an amazing album...the story is awesome and the music to go with it is the same...probably the best album out this year so far in my opinion

[Midvinter]

This album is not better than Blood Mountain in my opninion but, not bad

[ænimic]

It's an awesome album. Really. It's different from the last outing, but definitely not worse. Their level of depth in the music has definitely taken off. I hope to write a proper review for this album.

[MusicMan24]

God, I need this album.

[ShoeFaceBass]

GuitarHero_jp wrote:

This is the best album of 2009!

Definately! Also, one of the greatest freaking CDs to have come out in very long time. Mastodon have freaking dominated once again!!

[voodoochild13]

its the best album of the year fo' sho'!

its really one of those albums that has its full effect when listened from start to glorious finish.

[Pat_s1t]

Whoa what? A new album already? I only just downloaded Blood Mountain two days ago, I didn't think it was that old. I only recently got into Mastodon though, so I guess that's why.

[ReiverOfSouls]

Crack The Skye is one of those albums you can put on, kick back with either a good cigarette of the wacky variety or a few cold ones, and just let it ride.

This album is amazing... that's about the only way I can describe it. This may be Mastodon's masterpiece.

[waveningkan]

any idea when is it coming out in malaysia??massive fan here!!blood mountain,leviathan, and remission were awesome!i have become bias and mastodon can do no wrong in my eyes and ears.moastodon!!!!!

[Zeltaok]

I actually downloaded this album ( dont hate me for it) and when i had listened to the first song, Oblivion, I almost fell into a coma and never recovered. Then I proceeded to delete the album from my computer and bought the album. IT FUCKING AWESOME, I REPEAT, IT IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!

[metal_666_man]

deff getting this

[Megadethfan123]

Got it with the dvd. better than Death Magnetic. Crack the Skye automatically moved to my top 10 favorite albums. Its such a masterpiece.

[Lrn2play]

the albums kinda disappointing

[boyan89]

I still need to listen to this album.

[Kanthras]

"anyway, Blackwater Park is definitely the album of the decade, this doesn't come close nough, sorry, but we all know it's true."

Actually, that would be Noctambulant

[barge1]

this album will be my life for the next month. love it. UG team's review was kind of dull. it is alot better than they make it out to be

[Kanthras]

"anyway, Blackwater Park is definitely the album of the decade, this doesn't come close nough, sorry, but we all know it's true."

Actually, that would be Noctambulant by Spawn of Possession

IMO of course..

[domiel]

this album reminds of old opeth minus the death metal stuff

[xSUNxOFxNOTHING]

ace rules sounds mentally retarded....
that review was almost unreadable

[Mumbo Jumbo]

I got it in the mail on monday, it is totally sick! It seems that they have been getting a little softer with each album, but I dont mind too much, it fits the theme of aether.

Speaking of which, if Blood Mountain was earth, Leviathan was water, and Remission was fire, that just leaves air for their next album. Anyway, I love the album and can't wait to see them live in May!

[Astaldo]

usually i don't like Progressive Metal but this album is really cool, not 100% shouting or somethin

[x Misanthropy x]

Sweet album, Not one bad track.

[SuperGoofy13]

well it's a very cool album but not really high in my top list. maybe with a little more experience they 'll climb higher ;

[dlheidemann]

This album is awesome!!! Gotta love playing fender strats and teles on the record to get twangy metal.

[Deflection]

Mastodon finally get the recognition they deserve. One of the most talented bands ever.

[Wizardwrath]

This is one of the best CD's i've listened to in a long time. Its also one of the few rarities that you can listen to from start to finish. In my opinion, Quintessence and Ghost of Kareila are my favorites right now...I love the mood they set forth. There isnt one bad song on this track....and I mean even if Divinations was meant to be their single (usually single's get very boring after listening to them for quite awhile) It doesnt let up or get old. Definately best album thus far of 2009. Hopefully they will win a grammy this time, they shouldve won one for blood mountain too but that was a close call with Tool's 10,000 days (both albums Imo were very great)

[Tatersalad1080]

wow, i just dl'd it to check it out and was so unbelievably impressed im thinking i might go actually pay for it,along with blood mountain just to make up for not paying for it originally. This album and this band are effing gods!

[korbhag]

Masterpiece? Conceptual? Progressive? That sounds like Mastodon released their own "Colors"! I must definitely buy this!

[Pernell]

Such a disappointing album

[petergreen]

bought the last copy at the record store last night!
This is honestly makes my life worth living!

[petergreen]

bought the last copy at the record store last night!
This honestly makes my life worth living!

[SirShredfast]

Pernell wrote:

Such a disappointing album

why is that?

not heavy enough for you?

[justlaxin73]

I've already listened to this cd live and it is unbelievable. They ventured away from some of their older stuff but man are they still amazing

[justlaxin73]

*twice

[Shaned]

I tried to get into mastodon like two years back but i wasnt completely digging them
this album is tons better than before
*new mastodon fan here*

[justlaxin73]

Zeltaok wrote:

I actually downloaded this album ( dont hate me for it) and when i had listened to the first song, Oblivion, I almost fell into a coma and never recovered. Then I proceeded to delete the album from my computer and bought the album. IT FUCKING AWESOME, I REPEAT, IT IS FUCKING AWESOME!!!!!

exactly what I did. I got the leaked version, listened to the first song, then immediately bought the cd. Thats how good this is!

[Kitra]

hellz yeh! mastodon! my atlanta reps!

[Shinsen88]

Getting this album ASAP.

[GnikNus]

damn, i haven't enjoyed an album this much right off the bat in a long ass time

[Flying Afros]

My second Mastodon album I have bought. I got Leviathan a few weeks ago, my first Mastodon record, and it was great, and so is this. I love these guys. They never repeat themselves and their sound is so damn unique. Even the artwork is awesome. I was watching the DVD that came with my album and the story behind each song is so cool. Astral travel and a guy getting lost while doing it, then saved by Rasputin before he dies and...it's so out there. I forget which song, but it even has bit of country and surf guitar thrown in there. No one else has the balls or the brains to make a record like this. I'm seeing Mastodon in April and I can't ****ing wait.

[boyan89]

Well it's unique and sure it's a change for them, but hell I like it.

[fitterhappier34]

I'm not a big fan of metal at all, but the dudes in Mastodon are incredible musicians. Brann Dailor is clearly one of the best drummers ever.

[mateothebest]

Jack_Sibelius wrote:

mindup wrote:

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I dunno about that but its a damn good album, its definately pretty high up on my list.

Best metal album? Lateralus and 10.000 Days. Nuff said.

tools there own genre, i wouldn't consider them metal

[lespaulfromhell]

The guitar solo in The Czar is incredible.

[axez_steve_jam]

my girl bought this album for me! and its sounds FUCKING awsome, i love the song Oblivion, also The Last Baron!

[DANZIG767]

i wanna get really stoned and listen to this album, i bet it would be amazing

[dustinrhocks4]

wasnt really into mastodon when i first heard them a while ago but this album is amazing.

[CaptainPants]

Yep, definitely a masterpiece that works on many levels. For that reason I suggest anybody with doubts after the first listen give it a few more spins. It really grows on you.

[Harvey_Danger]

This is an awesome album, and is simply comtributing to this awesome year for metal - Mastodon, Isis, and Eluveite all in the span of a month.

Now if only Tool would come out with a new album, I could die happy.

[Axlthegreat]

brilliant album will get me into mastodon a lot more, I kind of liked them before but this album takes them to new heights in my book.

[Corey Taylor]

Pernell wrote:

Such a disappointing album

yea...i unfortunately felt the same... *sigh*

[CarbonDeath]

Wow, have no idea whats up, but I loved it. I wanted Mastodon to take this direction to sort of a softer more laid back groove metal. Excellent track progression ending with the Last Baron.

[CarbonDeath]

And I have been listening to them since Leviathan came out, so, I think they have progressed correctly.

[Mask_Of_Sanity]

Flying Afros wrote:

My second Mastodon album I have bought. I got Leviathan a few weeks ago, my first Mastodon record, and it was great, and so is this. I love these guys. They never repeat themselves and their sound is so damn unique. Even the artwork is awesome. I was watching the DVD that came with my album and the story behind each song is so cool. Astral travel and a guy getting lost while doing it, then saved by Rasputin before he dies and...it's so out there. I forget which song, but it even has bit of country and surf guitar thrown in there. No one else has the balls or the brains to make a record like this. I'm seeing Mastodon in April and I can't ****ing wait.

Between The Buried And Me have Colors, an album with so many random genres tossed into it.
But alas. BTBAM and Mastodon are two of the best bands of our time.
-mask of sanity-

[Brasseye81]

You cannot fault the way they are progressing and improving. My only criticism is that it maybe is too melow in some places for Remission-heads. Personally its not as good as BM, but I still really enjoyed this album. Cant wait to see them this summer.

[richard235]

I'm quite disappointed with the album and don't understand all the hype over it. I don't mind that it's not that heavy but I feel the vocals are too forward in the mix and there are too many vocal effects; some of the riffs get lost. I think Oblivion and the Czar are really good tracks and the solo in The Last Baron is great but the rest aren't so good.

All this talk of how the band are progressing properly and how it's the album of the decade etc I don't really care about, I just want to like the CD as much as the others but unfortuantely I don't..

[Pingis_Or_Death]

Kanthras wrote:

"anyway, Blackwater Park is definitely the album of the decade, this doesn't come close nough, sorry, but we all know it's true."

Actually, that would be Noctambulant

+1

[Josh Laiho]

After listening to this album multiple times, I would have to say that this is one of the most brilliant albums I have ever heard. It it quite possibly Mastodons best. I think it's much better than Blood Mountian.

[bloodshed344]

Mask_Of_Sanity wrote:

Flying Afros wrote:

My second Mastodon album I have bought. I got Leviathan a few weeks ago, my first Mastodon record, and it was great, and so is this. I love these guys. They never repeat themselves and their sound is so damn unique. Even the artwork is awesome. I was watching the DVD that came with my album and the story behind each song is so cool. Astral travel and a guy getting lost while doing it, then saved by Rasputin before he dies and...it's so out there. I forget which song, but it even has bit of country and surf guitar thrown in there. No one else has the balls or the brains to make a record like this. I'm seeing Mastodon in April and I can't ****ing wait.

Between The Buried And Me have Colors, an album with so many random genres tossed into it.
But alas. BTBAM and Mastodon are two of the best bands of our time.
-mask of sanity-

You forget about Lye By Mistake's "Arrangements for Culminating Vective"

[Gymb]

At first listen, I didn't get it...with each successive listen, you are drawn nearer to the event horizon of this black hole of an album. By the time you realize what is happening, your soul will have been inescapably tattooed by this son of a bitch. I thought Blood Mountain was addictive, as I listened to it for the 20th or 30th time - the pull of this bastard is even stronger...it'll happen to you, too.

[Kelicon]

This is an Amazing album. It's softer vocally... but definitely the unique sound that is Mastodon. Guitars are absolutely phenomenal. 1st album this year I can personally listen to multiple times in one sitting. IMO Crack the Skye is the best song on the album.

[SG Man Forever]

'The Czar' is one of the few songs which showcases Troy Sanders bass, on a light and ethereal track driven by Brent Hinds vocals and riffing. It chugs forward from intricate Radiohead-esque beginning, to a Randy Rhoads circa Bark at the Moon riff, to more angular clean riff and back to the beginning. Pretty Cool, but it doesn't really make you feel anything like, say the end of 'Capillirian Crest' did.

Randy Rhoads was dead when that album was recorded genius.

[foxygrandpa]

i absolutely HATE that second review. the dude is obviously retarded. You can't give this album a 7.7 because you wanted it to sound different. Grade it on what it is trying to accomplish. NOT WAHT YOU WANT IT TO ACCOMPLISH DICK FACE. I am so streaming angry.

[foxygrandpa]

i meant 3rd review

[zeroterminus]

i liked this album alot, not as much as leviathan and remission but it shows the bands overall complexity and their maturity as a band, but pleez go back to the old ways again and blend it in with the new

[Gyroscope]

Excellent band. I can't believe I've gone so long hearing about them but never listening to them.

[sottpwn]

This album completely blew me away. Whilst Remission and Leviathan were GOOD albums, Blood Mountain was definitely their masterpiece. Crack the Skye takes it to the next level and is truly a tour de force.

[Seth Shadows]

not enough mastodonnnn.

>=[

[JezusFlowers]

One of the most amazing albums I've ever heard. Literally left me breathless. Amazing.

[und3ad_s4int]

Seeing Mastodon live got me into their music, and now I can't stop listening to them. I own all of their albums, and this one is better than all of them. This one displays different styles than the last few, but it doesn't disappoint. Not one bit.

[jables1138]

I saw Mastodon at Mayhem Fest last year, and then proceeded to forget about them. Then when I recently went to a music store, Skye had just been released. I thought I'd take it for a spin and proceeded to have my mind blown by this amazing album. Amazing Riffs and that psychedelic groove left me speechless and on the verge of tears. I also loved the little homage to Rush's YYZ at 60 in The Last Baron.

[mtllica]

This album is outstanding! I need to get some money together so I can go out and but it soon!

[mtllica]

mtllica wrote:

This album is outstanding! I need to get some money together so I can go out and but it soon!

*buy (lol)

[your^consience]

man this album just keeps getting better and better with every listen. I love those albums that take a little while man they always last forever.

mad album I love the last baron

[mcfreaki]

randyaintdead82 wrote:

gaaahhhh i have no money to but it GOD DAMMIT!!!!! who wants to give me money???

buy it now, it's more important and better than life itself.

you may go hungry for a little while, but it'll all be worth it.

[jonnyharris1]

Ive had it weeks and still cant stop listening to it, I hope people make some tabs soon! By god the last baron is a journey of an amazing song

[twisted_freak]

DANZIG767 wrote:

i wanna get really stoned and listen to this album, i bet it would be amazing

it IS :p

[fuji311]

This album is nothing short of legendary. I've been listening to it for weeks. Those who say it lacks power don't understand musical evolution. Why do you want a band to crank out the same sounds over and over anyway? If you're looking for consistency, go listen to Korn or Kid Rock or something that requires as little talent to play as it does brain cells to write.

Mastodon + Severe head trauma = Crack the Skye.

So, so good.

[mustainex2000]

well...I´ve been listening to it for a month...& I just can´t get tired of it, I found it ****in´awesome, psycodelic, f***n hard, progressive, weird vocals, distorted arpeggios...and nice song structures...this guys are achieving the god metal status with this kind of work...hope they continue with this path...hopefully they don´t make a "distubed" kind of record. XD

[Jester InFlames]

amazing. With high chances going to be on my final list in the year. i remember i was waiting like a ..... when i knew they re gonna make this album and bought it. like at the opening of the shop. Maybe i was the first to get it in my country .

[Jester InFlames]

jamie_hough wrote:

The first review by UG is good... the second one giving all round 10's is not. Im sick of people putting reviews up of their favourite bands who have no mind of their own to criticise and examine, sure its an 8 or 9, but its not a 10... I dont know what is...

errrr. He just liked more the album than you. If it would be his favourite band an album so different from the others, would't blow his mind that much. This is a subjective thing. But music has objective aspects as well of course. He just sorted them out and showed the intensity of it's effect. It's that simple. I'm sick of all the blind guys out there whojust go in the thinking process to one part and stop because they enjoy to have one argument and sound right while having tonns of uncharted arguments on the other side

[T.W.S.D.A.]

Wow, I might just have to get this. Just heard Divinations and it's amazing.

[barge1]

it is really good, but that last review does make a point about the rhythm section kind of missing. oh, and brents vocals suck live. just letting everyone know, he mumbled his way through the songs and did some really off key high pitched stuff.

[JJ-5]

6stringz89 wrote:

The Czar is the best song, imo

6stringz89 wrote: I agree. The czar is amazing! Mastodon are quite simply just ****in awesome! hear hear! lol

The Czar is the best song, imo

[Jimmy-G]

quite possibly the greatest album of ALL time

[Caseyz]

First and foremost I am from atlanta and saw these guys way back when Blood and Thunder came out. I listen to this cd all the time, it's so progressive and technical. I give a lot more respect to a band that evolves and they most definitely have. The Last Baron is so epic and powerful. My favorite cd of 09.

[Caseyz]

Jack_Sibelius wrote:

Best metal album? Lateralus and 10.000 Days. Nuff said.

Not even close. Opiate was their best effort by far. 10,000 days is much too drawn out and I'd much rather listen to Aenima then 10,000 days and Lateralus. They are epic repeats.

[Dakkstar]

Jack_Sibelius wrote:

mindup wrote:

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I dunno about that but its a damn good album, its definately pretty high up on my list.

Best metal album? Lateralus and 10.000 Days. Nuff said.

I fully disagree.. Tool is far too overrated. Trivium's Shogun, Mastodon's Crack The Skye, Hell even new Metallica is better.

[crocoscar]

the best Hard Rock/Metal album of the decade

I 100% second this !!!

[FearOfTheDuck]

I wasn't a fan of Mastodon until this album.

I fell asleep listening to it and i had the weirdest creppiest dream. I thought this guy was trying to kill me, but no one believed me and i was in my secondary school for some reason, and it was all misty and hazey. And i thought i was going crazy and i looked at myself in a dirty mirror and my face was all messed up and stretched and cracked.

Genius album!