My introduction to Mastodon was relatively recent. Since then I thought they were good, but their style was simply a kind that never quite caught my attention as being close enough to something I’d really enjoy. Perhaps because their sound is very loose, or perhaps because it also carries an almost fuzzy characteristic. I mean don’t get me wrong, they sound really big, but on the flip side, not as tight. After listening to The Hunter, however, I can definitely say I’ve enjoyed their latest incarnation. 

What’s interesting about the album is the fresh approach they took. It’s experimental, and explores fresh ideas, sounds, and structures, while still blending their own style. As a result it comes across as a polished set of songs. The instrumentation is great and vocals are much improved from their previous work. And I think that’s also one of the things I didn’t like as much about Mastodon. In past albums the singing tended to drag or was somehow too exaggerated. Even the screaming sounds were… well, I don’t quite know how to describe them. With this record, they’ve taken their music to a level which I can appreciate and enjoy more. Even the gnarly looking album art vibrantly compliments their new and different undertaking. 

I guess another thing worth noting is that from the older songs I’ve heard, what got stuck in my head weren’t necessarily any of the choruses or vocal lines, but rather the guitar riffs. From metal fast-paced chugging to the slower, more finger-picked-sounding guitar licks. This time around, I think they’ve done a complete turn-around. I don’t recall any riffs which stuck out to me or were particularly catchy, but instead I’ve had more of the vocal-driven parts in my head. Other than that, I don’t really know what else to add about the record. Even as an occasional listener of Mastodon, The Hunter is pretty killer and I haven’t heard a new record this year that’s anything like it. From their records, it’s looking like my favorite of the bunch so far. Though Leviathan was pretty good.

Highlights:
“Black Tongue”
“Blasteroid”
“Spectrelight”
“Bedazzled Fingernails”