Mastodon

Already establishing a name in the underground with a number of tours and a burgeoning live reputation under their belts before even signing with Relapse, Mastodon is one of the most brutal, complex, sinister and impressive acts to see the light of day in years. However, it should come as little surprise, as Mastodon is the new vehicle for Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, the rhythm section for Today Is The Day's criminally brilliant In The Eyes of God opus, and who also tooled for years in equally formidable technical death metal war-horse Lethargy. Unsurprisingly, defining elements of both Lethargy and Today Is The Day surface on Lifesblood, as Brann's signature perpetual motion, fill-heavy drumming is the engine that drives Mastodon, as it also did with Lethargy and TITD, and the ominous/unorthodox riffing, insanely complex runs and dalliances with grindcore ring of their previous work. However, Mastodon is a different beast, heavier, in parts, thanks in to the vocals, with a slight doom influence rearing its ugly head, and the briefest moments of tranquillity to offset the buffeting whirlwind of Lifesblood's five songs. However, as with Brann and Bill's previous efforts, Mastodon impresses because of the unbelievable complexity and technicality that's conveyed, one that never sacrifices brutality or delves into pointless wank, as demonstrated in opener "Shadows That Move" and "Hail To Fire." Much like Burnt By The Sun's debut EP, Mastodon have stepped to the forefront of aggressive music with its first release, but given its lineage, nothing but was expected.