What can we really say about Mastodon that hasn’t already been said? Whether you love them or not (and I fall squarely with the former), the progressive/sludge/stoner metallers out of Atlanta have become arguably the most recognized name in metal, and frankly, across all other genres, as well. Since their debut full-length album in 2002’s Remission, Mastodon have continuously and consistently developed their sound in a way that has expanded their fan base while staying true to their roots. As a result, we have an incredibly decorated decade and a half long career that has continued to build on itself. And I don’t think any collective group of colorful personalities would enjoy the ride as much as these guys. So, with all that said, I would like to take the opportunity to share some of my favorite tracks in The Nine Circles ov… Mastodon.

For those that have been following us for some time, you’ll notice that this isn’t the first time we have covered Mastodon in list form. But, you would still need to go all the way back to October of 2014 to find Dan’s top 10 list. And that list isn’t my own (although there is one overlap). So therefore, more Mastodon for you! Let’s not waste any more time and get right into it.

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“Dry Bone Valley” (from The Hunter, 2011)

While The Hunter did not impress me at initial release, it has since grown on me. And without a doubt my favorite track on the album is “Dry Bone Valley”. The verse is just so upbeat and catchy that it stays with you long after the end of the track. The chorus? Even more so.

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“Workhorse” (from Remission, 2002)

The debut from Mastodon is still my favorite. There are slower, more deliberate tracks on this album, but then there are moments of aggression that absolutely pummel you into submission. “Workhorse” is definitely among the latter. Dense and composed brilliantly, it’s definitely one of the heavier moments on the album.

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“Oblivion” (from Crack The Skye, 2009)

And going in a completely different direction altogether, we get the far more progressive and daringly atmospheric Crack The Skye. The second single from this album, “Oblivion” is still undoubtedly my favorite. Entrancing in concept and style, the opening track leads the way with near perfection.

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“Seabeast” (from Leviathan, 2004)

Leviathan is really a masterpiece from start to finish, and we’ll get into another track a little later. But first, we have “Seabeast”. The piercing rise and fall of the guitar leads fronts a dynamic sound that is both impressively technical and consistent. And despite the numerous transitions, they are all executed with ease.

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 “All The Heavy Lifting” (from The Hunter, 2011)

The second track on this list from The Hunter offers a really nice rhythm to the verse, full of tempo and feel. But from there, the song changes directions fairly dramatically to the drawn out vocals of the chorus. But it all works very well and the lyrical lines from the chorus are sure to stay with you.

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“Sleeping Giant” (from Blood Mountain, 2006)

While I probably could have just randomly grabbed a track from Blood Mountain for this list (yes, they are all that good), “Sleeping Giant” stands out just a bit more than the rest. Progressive and sludgey, musically it is a blend that matches Mastodon’s further-emphasized clean vocals perfectly.

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“Tread Lightly” (from Once More ‘Round The Sun, 2014)

For one reason or another, it is the opening track on Mastodon’s most recent album that I am still the most addicted to. But when you look at the attitude of the album as a whole, “Tread Lightly” is a quality synopsis of what lies ahead. And the gradual buildup in volume as we move into the opening verse is absolutely perfect.

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“Blood And Thunder” (from Leviathan, 2004)

Speaking of opening an album with a bang, I don’t think Mastodon could have served Leviathan any better than to kick it off with “Blood And Thunder”. Powerfully energizing, if you can’t figure out what makes this track the beast that is, you’ve probably wasted your time reading to this point. Still one of favorite songs ever seen performed live.

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“March Of The Fire Ants” (from Remission, 2002)

And this was the song that Mastodon hooked me in with and it still holds up 14 years later. The interplay between rhythm and lead is incredibly creative yet organized, and the overall grit to a song that truly holds a marching cadence makes for one of my favorite pieces of music ever. And just when you think you’re beginning to grasp what’s going on, the time change at the midway point just catapults this song to another level.

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The Nine Circles ov Mastodon on Spotify

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– Corey