Mastodon : Marrow Deep

After Mastodon parted ways with longtime guitarist/songwriter Brent Hinds it seemed an era was at an end. The metal quartet had made their mark on the metal community for 2 decades, releasing forward-thinking records like Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack The Skye. These were albums that towed the line between speed metal, prog, and punk rock seamlessly.

Hinds was an integral part of the band, writing riffs, taking vocal duties, and just being the band’s spirit animal. Unfortunately a combination of feeling stifled and alcohol made him nearly impossible to work with. An unpredictable spirit that could not be counted on. His departure, while disappointing, was hardly surprising. And then with his death later that year from a motorcycle accident permanently closed the door on a possibility of any kind of reunion, or even just a reconciliation.

Mastodon has moved on with new guitarist Nick Johnston, first as a touring guitarist and now full-time member. Marrow Deep is the first post-Brent Hinds album and it shows the band in full creative force. The southern rock vibes of previous records have been put away, and in their place the metal riffage early Mastodon was known for. This is a band firing on all cylinders.

An absolute highlight is the whiplash-inducing “Your Ghost Again”, a menacing riff fest of the highest order. And the title feels ever so prescient given what the band has gone through the last year and a half. “Snakes For Dinner” goes full amps to 11 with Josh Homme of QOTSA guesting on vocals. There’s even a tasty synth solo that will turn heads. And new guitarist Nick Johnston does not disappoint. His soloing is on another level. Better than the great Brent Hinds? Not necessarily, just a different vibe.

“Out Like A Lamb”, “They’re Coming For You”, and “A Vampire’s Demeanor” bring the metal hammer down, while tracks like “In The Ruins” and “Moth and Bone” bring the more atmospheric vibes, all working up to stunning closer “The Three Fates”.

Mastodon have come full circle, making an album that captures the magic of their earlier sound while still moving forward. Marrow Deep is a stunning metal album of the highest order.