MASTODON play Kool Haus November 25. See listing. Rating: NNNN
On Mastodon’s fifth album, the Atlanta kings of sludgy progressive metal rein in their long-winded sonic tangents and high-concept themes without sacrificing any heaviness, technical complexity or ethereal atmospherics. While their last four records loosely represented the four classical elements of water, earth, fire and air, The Hunter has no obvious thematic through line, and yet its 13 tracks make for a plenty cohesive listen.
The quartet claim that by laying aside some of their trademark progressiveness they had more fun making this album than any other. Songs are shorter (Pink Floydish final tune The Sparrow is the longest at five and a half minutes), vocals are cleaner and the band seems unafraid to ride out the many heavy guitar riffs for a groove-inducing, hair-whipping length of time. Drummer Brann Dailor’s dizzying double kick drum work and jazzy snare cracks deserve their own shout-out.
Top track: Bedazzled Fingernails
