One thing is for sure. With “Remission” Mastodon delivers one hell of a debut. The band featuring ex members of Today is the Day and Social Infestation produces music that is hard to describe. Their influences vary a lot. But the fact is that the mixture of metal (core) some heavy stoner rock (“Workhorse”) and melody is attractive. “Remission” contains very original composed songs with many strange rhythms, breaks and guitar riffs. Also the tension between the individual songs differs a lot. From vary intense to a more progressive jazzy approach in “Ol`e Nessie” (like bands as Attention Decefit). Of what to think of the `80 thrash metal part in “Burning Man”.

The vocals vaguely reminded me of L.G. Petrov (Entombed). Mastodon is really trying to reach a new level of song writing and I can only say they succeeded. Combine elements of bands as the Dillinger Escape Plan, Cryptopsy some Paradise Lost, Meshuggah (low tuned guitars) and you have a vague indication of what Mastodon does. But their melodies have something authentic. Mastodon already toured intensive with everything between Queens of the Stone Age and Cannibal Corpse what also proves that this band can attract listeners from all kinds of metal. Go check this out.