Every so often throughout music history, a band comes along that transcends the time. Meaning that this band writes songs and albums that are timeless while also exploring different thematic aspects that makes for an experience be it on album or live that is so vivid it all comes to life. For the last twenty six years, Mastodon, have truly been the best new band of the Millennium. Never a band to rest of what they did before, Mastodon have pushed the boundaries aside of what you can do in rock music. Across now nine albums, Mastodon have established themselves as a bands band and one that can play with an array of bands and artists. On their now ninth studio album, Marrow Deep, Mastodon have taken their shared and personal tragedies and turmoil into an album that like Crack The Skye, oozes emotion and reaches so deep that each nuance is felt.
Throughout the twelve songs, there is not one ounce of filler or anything that feels out of place. Some might say there is but, that only exposes that persons lack of interest and knowledge into a musical space that expands ones mind. The intricate details that Mastodon have added over the years shine on Marrow Deep. While this is the first album without longtime bandmate and contributor, Brent Hinds (R.I.P.), it didn’t slow down Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher. Now with the addition of Nick Johnston on guitar and Joao Nogueira on keys, the complete vivid vision has finally come together. Even the album cover hints at this vivid picture as the colors and lines weave in and out of one another.
From the start with “Barbarian’s Blood” till “The Three Fates,” it’s clear that this is a take your time album. The different elements from sludge, prog, space, psychedelia are signature Mastodon. The more cinematic nature on these songs has an almost “score” type of vibe as well. When you listen to a Mastodon album, the ability to lose yourself in it is vital. Be it a heavier song like “Poisonous Weapons” or an epic prog rock song like “Out Like A Lamb” there is something new to find the more you listen. There’s even bits of free form jazz found on songs like “They’re Coming For You,” “Snakes For Dinner” which features Queens Of The Stone Age’s Josh Homme (marking his second collaboration with the band. He was previously featured on “Colony Of Birchmen” off Blood Mountain), and “The Vanishing” the latter of which features Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler on bass. If you’ve heard Master Of Reality or Volume 4 by Black Sabbath, you know what I’m talking about here. One of the absolute standout songs on Marrow Deep has to be “Moth And Bone.” This song has so many layers to unfold in a beautifully dynamic way. Just listen and you’ll experience it. Throughout the record there are subtle nods to Brent be it in the lyrics like “Your Ghost Again” or small guitar parts or even a vocal melody like on “A Vampire’s Demeanor.” The album ends with “The Three Fates” which again ends an album as Mastodon does on an epic note.
The additions and contributions of Nick and Joao are very present and prevalent. This new blood injected into Mastodon has brought out a side that feels invigorated and alive. The chemistry between Bill, Brann and Troy is unmistakable and now with Nick and Joao, the chemical bond has only grown! These songs when they play them live will no doubt deliver you into a different dimension. Let the Marrow Deep run wild in your ears and mind.
Overall Rating: 9/10
Review By: Brian Lacy
MASTODON- MARROW DEEP:
