mastodon Archives - RMP Magazine

The Creature Within are setting up to blast onto the music scene in the East Midlands. The three piece from Northamptonshire, England formed after the breakup of prog-metal outfit Project Mothra, who were prominent in the scene up until last year. The trio have just finished their first EP, A Slave to my Mind; two songs that show off some impressive riffs, vocal melodies, and a rich, layered approach to production that, for a band’s first time recordings, pleasantly surprised this reviewer.

Starting off the release is the track Who Am I, a striking introduction to the band’s sound with some heavy distortion, layered soundscapes, and an overall sonic flavor that sounds ‘big’ enough for a festival stage. The stoner-metal influence is evident here, as an overall piece it is reminiscent of the likes of Mastodon or Red Fang, with elements of southern-groove akin to that of Down. Moreover, the vocals would be right at home on a Mastodon or perhaps Steak Number Eight record, but the infusion of styles is definitely what is unique about this track and about the band as whole. The group vocals on the choruses once again entice visions of a track like this being played on a large stage, encouraging crowd participation.

In comparison, the second track Schattenman (Shadow man in German) shows a very different side to the band – compared to Who Am I, Schattenman hits hard with a much faster tempo and aggressiveness that would be right at home at a DIY hardcore show. The vocals are much more piercing and less distorted that the preceding track, filled with aggro-punk rage with relentlessly fast instrumentation to compliment it. Overall, this is a welcome choice from the band to show such sonic diversity on a release with only two tracks.

The Creature Within debut EP A Slave to my Mind will be available on Spotify, iTunes and on CD direct from the band from June 13^th

For more on the band visit their Facebook page.

A Slave to my Mind

Atlanta’s prog-sludge masters Mastodon have followed their own muse wherever it’s taken them ever since their debut some 15 years ago, and each album in their catalogue has been a fun guessing game as to what path they’d take next: epic concept albums (Leviathan, Crack The Skye), straight-ahead rock/metal stompers (The Hunter), and riff albums that make guitar nerds the world over jizz themselves and their Orange amps in excitement (Remission, Blood Mountain). This free spiritedness has tended to split the band’s fan base into two camps: the purists who love their earlier crazy progressive side, and those who are partial to their more recent, “streamlined” output. Whichever side of the divide you stand on, seventh album Emperor of Sand will offer plenty of moments with which to tickle your fancy, as it’s chockful of hooky riffs while still being Mastodon’s most ambitious offering in years.

We’re treated to another concept this time around, based on the band members’ experiences with the dreaded specter of cancer: the main character is handed a death sentence and is sent to wander the desert, reflecting on himself and the meaning of his life. Lots of musing going on, and the band teams up again with Skye producer Brendan O’Brien (Stone Temple Pilots, King’s X) to paint a compelling picture, with warm drum tones and powerful guitars. Opener “Sultan’s Curse” starts things off in proper Mastodon fashion, a Leviathan-esque rager that has bassist Troy Sanders and lead guitarist Brent Hinds doing their classic lead vocal tradeoffs. By contrast, lead single “Show Yourself” is super-straightforward, clocking in at 3 minutes but packing a lot of memorable riffage and quality harmony vocals behind drummer Brann Dailor’s voice (and seriously, this dude can really SING). Dailor sings lead again on standout track “Steambreather”, with a mean groove and lyrics that ponder “I wonder who I am… I wonder where I stand/I’m afraid of myself.” And album closer “Jaguar God” is just amazing: an epic ballad that transforms into an all-out riff fest, with some of the best vocals Hinds has ever done. “It’s right in front of me/your malignancy” could be towards a mythical villain, a tumor, or probably both, but the delivery behind those lines is gut-punching.

Mastodon have never been a slouch in the instrumental department, and all of the members turn in stellar performances on Emperor of Sand: Dailor’s outstanding drumming isn’t as full of fills as usual, but his cymbal work is on point, and he’s really come into his own as a singer. Bill Kelliher’s rhythm guitar tones are fantastic, and Hinds is simply one of the most underrated soloists in recent years; the guy pulls a ton of emotion out of his instrument. And Sanders’ grinding bass and roaring tenor blends in perfectly with the proceedings.

Emperor of Sand is an album that, to beat a cliché to death, really does reward with repeated listens. Even now as I close this review out, I’ll probably think of other things to point out about it; but quite simply, this is Mastodon’s best album since Crack The Skye. It’s always hard when creativity is sourced from tragedy, but Mastodon captured the emotion and thoughts behind their individual struggles, channeled them into musical form… and delivered. Brilliantly.

rmpmag