Once More ’Round the Sun by Mastodon will leave you spellbound

Music: Warner Music
Rating: 3.5
Three years after they released The Hunter, American sludge-metal shredders Mastodon are back in sledgehammer-like style with their new album.
Tread Lightly begins with a slow build before the rhythm and bass section kicks in, while pounding drums are the hallmark of The Motherload, where the vocals take the fore, with the bassist taking turns on some verses.High Road has a low, growling vocal and a sludgy tempo. The instrumental bits also alternate in a loud-melodic switch that was pioneered famously by Led Zeppelin in many of their songs. The title track again features a vocal interplay, with a criss-crossing duel between the guitars and drums, where the latter sounds like a lead instrument rather than just an instrument that keeps the tempo.
Chimes At Midnight also offers no respite from this sonic roller coaster, though this one has a definite psychedelic vibe. Asleep In The Deep carries on the same mood, before Feast Your Eyes brings you back down to the ground with a thud with its ferocious sound. Aunt Lisa has features some fretboard fireworks on the lead and bass. Ember City features all four instruments on full tilt, with a sound that is cohesive. If you like contemporary metal that is adroitly played, you’ll find this 55-minute slice of sound quite delightful.
By Reagan Rasquinha
LISTEN: Songs of Mastadon on Gaana.com
WATCH: Once More ’Round the Sun – Mastodon