It was always inevitable that Mastodon would release a double album. Their progressive tendencies have always been apparent. Even dominating at times (Crack the Skye). With their last lp (Emperor of Sand), they found a perfect balance between their heavy prog leanings and their more accessible, pop oriented sounds. And with the new ‘Hushed and Grim,’ Mastodon double down on the balance and double the material.
Like many artists, the pandemic lead to an abundance of writing. And Mastodon were no exception. Seizing on the opportunity to release their ever anticipated double album. To be frank, I’m surprised that they didn’t do a double album sooner. Either way, it’s done now. And what a record. It lives up to the Mastodon standard and then some. Furthering their ever expanding sound by throwing in a heavy dose of balladry. The success of their ep ‘Cold Dark Place’ has clearly been an influence. And it all works really well together.
From massive grooves and riffs on tracks like ‘Pain with an Anchor’ and ‘More Than I Could Chew.’ To full speed agressive rockers like ‘Pushing the Tides’ and ‘Savage Lands.’ The heavy material on the album holds up to anything Mastodon have done before. The progressive moments of the album: ‘Gobblers of Dregs,’ ‘Eyes of Serpents’ and ‘Gigantium’ all compliment each other perfectly to close out the album. Ranging from chill, spacey grooves. To beautiful, soaring vocal melodies that evoke sadness. Yet have a tenderness and depth that provides comfort and guidance. Brann Dailor and Troy Sanders cover vocal duties with strength and security. They’ve only gotten better over the years.
Brent Hinds also lends his vocal duties and twists on the song writing. Creating a vast landscape of different sounds for the album. ‘The Beast’ really has a great southern twang to it. Without sacrificing who Mastodon truly are. They are from Atlanta after all. Hinds’ vocals are rich and soulful. The melodies are memorable and the quality is simply high on the writing. ‘Sickle and Peace’ also has a bit of a twang to it. But with an upbeat rock groove and again, just amazing harmonies and melodies on the vocals. The massive metal drop on the track takes the band to new levels, while still retaining that classic Mastodon sound. Adding and growing to the progressive elements. Without being overwhelming.
What really sets this album apart from the others is the fourth element of the albums landscape: The ballads. ‘Had It All’ has a tribal, yet urban chill vibe to it. Another sad, yet beautiful and accessible song. ‘Dagger’ may be the furthest from the Mastodon template that they go on the album. Its industrial 90’s sound, combined with middle eastern tropes makes for a timeless track. ‘Teardrinker’ is an excellent, straight forward rock song. While ‘Peace and Tranquility’ brings the art of the long riff.
From top to bottom ‘Hushed and Grim’ just may be Mastodon’s finest hour. It’s certainly their most ambitious to date. The eighty-six minute album covers old a new sounds from the band. Without ever leaving the general vicinity of what they do. And to me, that’s the true mark of a great band. Growth, getting better and always expanding. A top to bottom double album. A true feat. One of the best albums of the year hands down.
