![]() The main riff is spidery and the drums/percussion knock down tall buildings, then there’s the solo that seems to fall from the sky, hit the ground and charge off into the distance. It is Dailor who provides the twisting verse melody of ‘Steambreather’, the pre-cursor to a monolithic chorus. Tracks like ‘Precious Stones’ are the perfect blend of metal and melody, Hinds lays out an easy rolling melody before Dailor joins in for a huge chorus. Even Troy Sanders takes the chance to sing a little more than his regular growl. Hinds rips out an immense solo that fits perfectly over the propulsive riffs from Bill Kelliher.Īs has been mentioned, melody permeates throughout the album, the insanely catchy ‘Show Yourself’ has the most simplest and basic of riffs, meaning it latches into your brain after one listen. While the song has no chorus to speak of, the melodies are flying, hooks are in abundance and Dailor’s voice is in a register that fits so well. Opener ‘Sultan’s Curse’ took a while to seep into my head, but the glorious bridge where Hinds sings “memories of loved ones are passing me by”, his voice quivering with emotion is a stunning moment from the off. Throughout the album, the guitars crunch and the drums punch as you would expect, the overall sound perfectly complimenting the stellar tunes. ![]() In terms of overall sound, Emperor of Sand aligns with 2009’s Crack the Skye, which is understandable considering both albums are produced by Brendan O’Brien. But then this is something the band tried with the last album, there were heads being scratched when ‘High Road’ first appeared, I love that song too as it goes. Dividing fans down the middle would be grossly inaccurate as there seems to be only a handful of us who actually enjoy the song. The reaction to the artwork was nothing compared to the outcry over the band’s poppiest moment to date, the incredibly catchy ‘Show Yourself’, which appeared ahead of the album’s release. But it makes more sense when you learn of the deathly theme running through the album. The garish splurge that appeared on Once More ‘Round the Sun caused offence and there was a similar what-the-fuck moment when the artwork for Emperor of Sand was revealed. ![]() I also read some negative comments regarding the album’s artwork. One of Mastodon’s strongest features is the vocal interplay between all of the band members. I’m more than aware of the cat strangling exploits of Hinds in the live scenario, but I find a strange allure to his singing style. At this early stage I’m also of the opinion that Emperor of Sand, may well be their finest album yet, the perfect combination of heavy riffs, blistering drumming and magical melodies.įor some, a big point for discussion is the vocals of lead guitarist Brent Hinds. I’m one of those minority fans who have been enthralled with the progression and who thinks Once More ‘Round the Sun is a much better album than Remission or Leviathan. The transition from the early heavy metallic sound to the much more palatable melodic sheen that features now doesn’t sit well with some in the metal fraternity. Emperor of Sand, the seventh studio album from Atlanta’s Mastodon, has been one of my most eagerly anticipated albums in some time. ![]()
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