For nearly two decades, Mastodon has been redefining heavy music, shifting between sludge, prog, and metal with effortless precision. Their latest album, Hushed and Grim, stands as their most expansive and emotionally charged effort to date. A sprawling double album drenched in grief, introspection, and sonic experimentation, it sees the band diving deeper into mood and atmosphere while still delivering the crushing weight they’re known for.
A Monument to Loss and Reflection
Written in the wake of the passing of longtime manager and close friend Nick John, Hushed and Grim is a meditation on loss, mortality, and acceptance. The sorrow is palpable from the very first moments of “Pain With an Anchor”, where brooding melodies collide with thunderous drumming. Across its nearly 90-minute runtime, the album unfolds like a journey through the stages of grief, shifting between somber contemplation and cathartic heaviness.
The album cover—featuring an eerie, gnarled tree intertwined with ghostly faces—mirrors the music’s emotional weight. This is not a quick, riff-driven record; it’s a slow-burning exploration of sorrow, built on layered textures and deep, hypnotic grooves.
Mastodon at Their Most Expansive
Musically, Hushed and Grim sees Mastodon pushing further into progressive rock territory without abandoning their heavier roots. Tracks like “The Crux” và “Sickle and Peace” showcase their signature interplay of intricate guitar work and colossal rhythms, while “More Than I Could Chew” harkens back to their sludge-metal origins, dripping with thick, distorted riffs.
Yet, this isn’t just an album of brute force. Songs like “Had It All” và “Skeleton of Splendor” bring a more introspective, almost Floydian feel, where Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher’s guitar work stretches into haunting, psychedelic territory. Meanwhile, Brann Dailor’s drumming remains as dynamic as ever—whether delivering precise, jazz-influenced fills or sheer percussive fury.
A Showcase of Vocal Diversity
One of Mastodon’s greatest strengths has always been their three-pronged vocal attack, and Hushed and Grim is no exception. Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, và Brann Dailor all trade off vocal duties, each bringing a different emotional texture to the album.
Dailor, in particular, takes center stage on many tracks, his soaring clean vocals adding a sense of melancholic grandeur to songs like “Teardrinker” và “The Beast”. Sanders’ gruff, commanding voice still cuts through on heavier moments, while Hinds injects raw emotion into his bluesy, Southern-tinged delivery.
This dynamic makes Hushed and Grim feel vast and unpredictable, as each vocalist brings something unique to the table.
Balancing Heavy and Hypnotic
While Mastodon has never shied away from long-form songwriting, Hushed and Grim takes their ambition to new heights. The album’s length may be daunting to some, but its ebb and flow keep things compelling.
Songs like “Savage Lands” và “Pushing the Tides” deliver the aggression longtime fans crave, while “Eyes of Serpents” và “Dagger” lean into moody, atmospheric soundscapes. There’s a clear sense of progression throughout, with each track serving as another step in a deeply personal narrative.
For fans of Crack the Skye, this album’s emphasis on texture and melody will feel like a spiritual successor, though with a heavier emotional weight.
Phán quyết cuối cùng
Hushed and Grim is Mastodon’s most ambitious and emotionally resonant record yet. It’s a vast, immersive listen—one that rewards patience and repeated spins. While some may find its length overwhelming, those willing to dive in will find an album rich in depth, texture, and feeling.
A tribute to loss and resilience, Hushed and Grim stands as one of the band’s most profound works—a record that doesn’t just demand to be heard, but felt.
Đánh giá: 9/10
