Mastodon - Hushed and Grim - Album Review - Progressive Sludge Metal from Atlanta, Georgia, USA - Top Metal Album of 2021 by Metalhead Community
Today we are featuring the iconic sludge metal band, Mastodon. I have reviewed their latest studio album, Hushed and Grim, along with its character, style, story, potential, and more.
Mastodon - Teardrinker [Official Music Video]
Finally, I had the available time to listen to Mastodon's final piece, Hushed and Grim, yesterday while driving at night, and the first thing that came to my mind was that this is most probably the greatest metal album of 2021. I have been a big Mastodon fan since I discovered them for the first time in 2013, and they are one of the few special established bands in my book, whose new music deserves a listen doesn't matter what kind of music style that is.
First of all, I am more than happy Mastodon has decided to get back to their roots sonically, visually, and in terms of sound. To be honest with you, I was a little bit drawn away with the brightness and positive vibe of their latest releases, Emperor of Sand (2017), and Once More 'Round the Sun (2014). I listened to both of these albums numerous times, and that positive vibe never seemed to disappear in my head. Hushed and Grim, in this way, is back to the authentic Mastodon strength, darkness, mystery, and excitement. They are once again dark, and sonically creating the proper Mastodon image in the listener's memory.
Musically, the album deserves the top mark without any doubt. This is one of the richest and fantastic sounding sludge/progressive metal albums I have listened to for a long long time. Hands down. Unconsciously, as an artist myself, I constantly thought about the number of elements they put together here, in each song, and it is unbelievable. Compositions never let you down, Mastodon, doesn't offer anybody anything poor to hear in this album. That's it. This was the task, and Mastodon created a timeless classic piece.
Additionally, I have to mention a few more things that start with the vocals. I have never enjoyed Mastodon vocals this much before, and especially this is because of how much every single member improved their vocals. I am blown away by every single vocal line they have written for each section. Troy Sanders, is probably one of the greatest metal singers of the 21st century, at least my favorite. However, these qualities weren't good enough for a band like Mastodon, and they worked on each section's vocal channels separately.
Mastodon Band Press Photo.
Photo Credit: Jimmy Hubbard
Hushed and Grim has the original Mastodon identity all over the place. In my book, these gentlemen are unique with their level of creativity and strong musical identity, and Hushed and Grim is already one of these good examples. They have improved themselves in many ways in this album, writing compositions with elements from different styles such as blues rock or classic rock while maintaining their identity in the song. Mastodon with Hushed and Grim is at the top of their game, there's just nothing Mastodon cannot musically blend.
The technical side of the work has huge credit on making this album a classic for me. The entire album is well examined, I believe experts in production will agree with me on this. They have worked on every single song with the necessary focus and concentration, made different decisions on each one of them. The genius behind this job was David Bottrill, who also worked with bands such as Dream Theater, Tool, Muse, Godsmack, Staind, and Placebo before.
When I take all these into account, I'd like to say that I am grateful that Mastodon has given the world another sludge metal classic.
HUSHED AND GRIM, THE METAL ALBUM OF 2021 by METALHEAD COMMUNITY.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED!
Please go ahead and check out the links below if you'd like to find out more about the artist/band, follow them on social media, subscribe to their channels to show your support, and not miss any upcoming releases.
Mastodon Band Press Photo.
Photo Credit: Clay McBride
In conclusion, Metalhead Community Team congratulates MASTODON for their exceptional work, Hushed and Grim, and wishes them the very best in their future careers. Thank you for reading.
Mastodon - Hushed and Grim Front Cover Artwork
Album Artwork: Paul Romano
Listen to Metalhead Community's Monsters of Metal Underground playlist on Spotify
