A Quick Note For Those Who Like Their Music Heavy And Complicated

Mastodon, a group out of the southern U.S., has just released the best damn metal album I've heard in a long, LONG time. It's called "Leviathan", and is a definate candidate for Album of the Year in my books.

A bastard hybrid of stoner rock, thrash metal and prog rock (yes, all of those, much of the time at once) sets the musical tone behind this loose concept album based on Moby Dick. Yes, THAT Moby Dick. Trust me, you have to hear it to believe it.

Remember earlier in the summer when I was talking about that one band that comes around every year from out of nowhere and blows my fucking mind? In 2004, Mastodon is that band.

What the hell are you still reading this for? Shouldn't you be seeking a tune or two out to preview before sprinting to the record store? I'll give you the heads up; the songs you want to initiate yourself with are "Blood and Thunder" and "Iron Tusk". Go to loudside.com, and do a search. They're good quality, full versions to listen to before you MUST HAVE THIS ALBUM.

Hey, maybe it's just me, but I have a distinct feeling someone reading this (coughrandy) would really enjoy this, or at least appreciate the technical brilliance of this band.

Do it... do it.