MASTODON "Crack The Skye" (Reprise) Review by Alex Harisiadis
It's always amazing to see a great band evolve throughout its career and to see what twists and turns their songwriting takes. Such is the case with MASTODON and their latest opus Crack The Skye. While the band's lyrics and subject matter still remain relatively incoherent (intergalactic Raspiutins and astral projection anyone?), Crack The Skye is actually the most unified and coherent album MASTODON has ever written. This is especially noteworthy because upon initial inspection, one would think that the band has written a MARS VOLTA record (multi-part tracks that are 10+ minutes long). Yet, there is not a single bloviated moment on this record compared to the entire discography of THE MARS VOLTA. Furthermore, the songwriting has evolved from the straightforward metal pummel of Remission and Leviathan to more progressive areas of songwriting, while still retaining the essence of the band's style.
Though Leviathan remains the most iconic MASTODON album, for both its subject matter and raw power, Crack The Skye is arguably the most beautiful MASTODON album. The steamroller riffs are present and are deployed when needed. But, the beauty is present in the melodies and the effects that MASTODON employs to create a surreal, cosmic atmosphere in keeping with the album's theme. Most notably, all these characteristics are featured prominently in the album's centerpiece, the four-part epic "The Czar". This song really is Crack The Skye in a nutshell — it has epic atmospherics, hip-shaking riffage (with tambourine!), and the always intriguing drumming of Brann Dailor. While "The Czar" is the album's centerpiece, my favorite song is album closer "The Last Baron", a song which hits all the motifs of the entire album, while throwing in some prog rock and blazing soloing for good measure. Best of all, you never truly realize that the song is 13 minutes long - a feat which is truly characteristic of this album as a whole. Despite some of the track lengths, MASTODON keeps it fresh and interesting throughout.
While Leviathan could be considered "MASTODON For Dummies", Crack The Skye is the master class. You have the concept album-esque yet emotional subject matter (this album deals largely with the loss of drummer Brann Dailor's sister as a teenager), memorable riffs and melodies, and the individual abilities of four extremely talented musicians on full display. For someone just getting into MASTODON, this album and Leviathan ought to be required listening. Given MASTODON's ability to grow with each album, whatever the future holds will surely be a unique and incredible listening experience, and Crack The Skye has given us a glimpse at that future.
