Atlanta has been the breeding grounds for metal recently, and one of many bands to be born there is Mastodon. Combining their influences of scream metal, and classic hard rock acts, such as Thin Lizzy, they have a unique sound that is appealing to a broad spectrum of fans. I, myself, find their music intriguing. Not only because of their influences, but because of the progressive concepts, and polyrythms in each piece.
Mastodon took the stage to a packed house at The Town Ballroom, after Gojira had warmed up the crowd, turning the venue into a virtual steam room. Not deterred by the climate, the sweat soaked fans welcomed them with the chant of “MAS TO DON”! As soon as they began “Hearts Alive,” the crowd surfers made their way over the barrier into the pit.
Lead singer/ bassist Troy Sanders is a man of very few words, but his music and talent speak for themselves. While watching him perform, I couldn’t help but to be struck with awe. The complicated time signature changes the band plays in makes any musician appreciate their skill level.
As they played through their extensive setlist, the fans that packed the venue could barely contain themselves. It seemed that Mastodon’s music had an enchanting affect on them, causing them to dance, mosh, and headbang in time. It was actually quite powerful to witness, and hard to resist, I even caught myself swinging my head back and forth. The crowd was so connected to the music, it was as if they were an extension of the band themselves.
When they finished their set for the night, they simply walked off stage, and the house lights came up. There would be no chant, there would be no encore, just the way it’s supposed to be.
Setlist:
Hearts Alive
Divinations
Crusher Destroyer
Capillarian Crest
Black Tongue
Bladecatcher
Crysal Skull
Siberian Divide
Naked Burn
Megalodon
Oblivion
Basteroid
Chimes at Midnight
High Road
Bedazzled Fingernails
Aqua Dementia
The Sparrow
We would like to thank Hillary Hawkins from Warner Brothers Records for the credentials to review the show.
