Leviathan
by Mastodon

From sageamagoo 12/04/2021 22:57 | #277102

Anyone who loves this album has to hear the official 24bit download with more dynamic range (the vinyl is cut with this master!!) https://ca.7digital.com/artist/mastodon/release/leviathan-223368

Metal classic. Up there with albums like Master of Puppets, Reign in Blood, Rust in Peace, Paranoid, Number of the Beast, etc. etc.

Before even beginning with the listening process, the expectations are already raised. With such a title and an album cover, it better be something of epic proportions. My biggest concern with this kind of albums is usually the vocals. Here there are two main vocalists plus a couple of guests. For the most part they doesn't cross the "unlistenable" line, though there were some instances where it was clearly on the annoying side (most obvious example would be Aqua Dementia). The sad thing is that it's a concept album - a loose one though, Herman Melville's novel "Moby Dick" is the main theme of the album, but not all tracks proceed along those lines - and if you can't connect with the vocals it's harder to follow the concept. Musicianship, on the other hand, is top notch without being only about style (another common complaint in such albums). No crazy solos, no need to show off. This balance is the key to their (critical and commercial) success, a typical sound with aggressive riffs and powerful drumming, but they manage to fit many progressive elements in seemingly straightforward 3-4 minutes hit songs, which all do contribute to the overall atmosphere. Hearts Alive is the central piece of the album, it's as if everything that came before paves the way for this both in terms of music and lyrics. Not sure it totally justifies its length, but a great piece nonetheless. Joseph Merrick is a fitting closer, just a calm moment after all the mayhem that preceeded it. However, I have to give the nod to Blood and Thunder as the standout track. It establishes itself with the first riff and the first line ("I think that someone is trying to kill me") and it never lets go.

From LedZep 07/07/2019 17:27 | #239081

One of defining moments in modern metal. Crack the Skye was my favourite for quite some time, but now I think Leviathan is just a tad better. Brutal and epic, fast, thrashing and complex, complete chaos and tender beauty all at once.

One of the best metal albums ever. Hearts Alive is amazing, but so are most of the other tracks. Lots of great riffs on this album, and the drumming is amazing.

From sageamagoo 08/30/2015 01:45 | #148842

The first Mastodon album I got into, and still by far my favourite. It's the heaviest album I've listened to that I still absolutely, wholeheartedly enjoy. It's like watching the movie 300. Somehow, despite all the blood and brutality, it still manages to keep a sense of majesty, and the dark, gritty story it tells is grossly engaging in its own colourful way. And that ending. Holy fuck, that ending. You can't get more perfect than finishing a 47 minute sludge metal album with an acoustic seafarer's lament. It's like the light at the end of a very long, very dark tunnel. And it's the only joy you've felt in 3 days. And you'll probably starve to death before you reach it.

I seriously cannot put this record down. My ears are bleeding. Please send help.

From zags7000 06/13/2015 08:37 | #143752

I don't think there has been a better metal album since this release. Blood & Thunder is the best here.

From mickilennial 03/18/2014 01:18 | #106629

WHITE WHALE! HOLY GRAIL! I wish Mastodon would return to sludge and take a step away from progressive metal and stoner rock as they have been doing lately. This kicks major ass.

From rkjones10 07/06/2012 02:17 | #46020

One of the greatest metal albums of all time.