Year: 2021
Total Time: 86:00
Label: Reprise Records
Pain and loss, however unbearable they may be, are often a source of inspiration in art. This is also the case with MASTODON, who returned with their eighth album, “Hushed and Grim”, strongly influenced by the loss of a very dear friend of theirs.
This is not the first time, of course, that the band has been influenced by personal experiences. “Crack The Skye” was a tribute to the sadly missed 14-year-old sister of drummer Brann Dailor, while “The Hunter” was dedicated to the brother of guitarist Brent Hinds who died in a hunting accident. In “Emperor of the Sand”, the band was inspired by friends and relatives who were diagnosed and fought with cancer, among them the wife of the singer/bassist Troy Sanders as well as the mother of the guitarist Bill Kelliher.
In 2018, the band will be shocked by the death of their manager Nick John and will cover “Stairway to Heaven” in his honour. This loss was to become the driving force behind their new album, with music acting as a way for the band to grieve their friend.
Understandably, the music of “Hushed and Grim” is emotionally charged with the lyrics being perhaps MASTODON’s most personal work. Almost all songs have something that will touch anyone who has been through a similar experience of losing someone of their own.
Musically now, the new album of the Americans is their longest-lasting work, reaching almost 90 minutes! Sonically, it is quite close to their more progressive side, as it manifested itself in “Crack the Skye”. But there is a more relaxed mood, with very few aggressive songs and the majority ranging something between prog rock, ballads and psychedelia.
“Pain with an anchor” opens the album beautifully combining melancholic melodies with aggressive play. “The Crux” makes things even heavier, while “Sickle and Peace” impresses with its intense Prog rock influences and grandiose chorus.
In “Pushing the Tides”, MASTODON will take us on a journey that goes all the way back to their debut “Remission”, while “Savage Lands” features fast tempos and quite harsh vocals in the background, bringing a little of the air of “Blood Mountain”.
“Teardrinker” is the catchiest composition of the album, with the wonderful melody on the guitar and its addictive chorus. We could describe it as a more melancholic “Show yourself”. In the mystical “The Dagger”, MASTODON will borrow several elements from oriental music, making use of the Indian instrument sarangi and extra use of percussion provided by Dave Witte (BURNT BY THE SUN, MUNICIPAL WASTE).
“Had it All” brings to mind the ballads of ALICE IN CHAINS with the legendary Kim Thayil (SOUNDGARDEN) contributing one of his very characteristic guitar solos to the track. The rest of the songs remain at similar levels, sometimes more atmospheric and sometimes a bit more proggy. “Gigantium” will triumphantly close the album, combining PINK FLOYD influences and an amazing melody straight from the heart of the band to be accompanied by a very emotional performance of Dailor on vocals.
Speaking of vocals, I have to say that a great deal of good work has been done in this area. Now the band knows its potential, what flatters it, what will perform best on the stage and what not, so most of the vocals have been performed by Sanders and Dailor and to a lesser extent by Hinds. The production of Dave Bottrill (KING CRIMSON, TOOL, STONE SOUR) is excellent. You can easily listen to all the instruments with a warmth that fits into the atmosphere of the album.
Unsurprisingly, due to its long duration, “Hushed and Grim” may seem a bit tedious at first, but it’s worth giving it time as we’re talking about one of the most personal works of Americans. Maybe with one or two tracks less, the album would have been easier to digest, but again, MASTODON’s music is so good that even the less good songs have something to say. Will fortune favour this bold venture of the quartet from Atlanta, as they very aptly ask themselves in the wonderful “Teardrinker”? Only time will tell.
Rating: 8/10
Editor: Dimitris Benetatos
Related Link: MASTODON – Official Page
