Mastodon
Emperor Of Sand Reprise
Progressive heavyweights continue to hone their craft As Mastodon have matured as a band, their melodic tendencies have continued to be refined as they’ve explored classic roots alongside their heavier instincts. Between four songwriters and three lead vocalists, this is another album brimming with ideas as they team with producer Brendan O’Brien again, but the stronger hooks and inventive transitions here unify the album to be stronger than 2014’s Once More ’Round The Sun and suggest a close scrutiny. Clandestiny and Ancient Kingdom have towering choruses in particular, while lead man Brent Hinds turns in some of his most assured solo work in, again, the Gorham/Robertson fire of Ancient Kingdom and the extended closers to Roots Remain and Jaguar God. [DH] Standout track: Streambreather For fans of: Neurosis, Queens Of The Stone Age, Alice In Chains