Heavy Metal Textbooks

CREATURE TRIPLE FEATURE

MASTODON: HUSHED AND GRIM

Mastodon just slapped every other rock band out there with a white glove.

Hushed and Grim is without flaws, and is one of the most perfect rock albums to come out in years. 

This whole album features planning and attention to detail on a level with bands like Tool and Omar Rodriguez Lopez.

Don't give up on this one, and you'll be rewarded with a treasure trove of tasteful and totally sick ideas.  It's called "Gobblers of Dregs"

JERRY CANTRELL: BRIGHTEN

This is heavy music you can play in mixed company.  It's got a mainstream sound with a subtle heavy side.  Some of this will remind you of Alice In Chains, and some of it won't.  Ten out of ten if you're as big a Jerry Cantrell and Alice In Chains fan as I am.

Here's a really melodically interesting one, called "Siren Song".

DOPE SMOKER: DEVIL'S BRIDGE

Some bands I appreciate for the way they constantly evolve and create new sounds.  Other bands I appreciate for never deviating from what they do, because it's just so cool.  Dope Smoker is in the second category.  I took a free "name your price" download of the Marijuana album five years ago, and am now paying for them before even listening; 

("sound unheard" should be the equivalent of "sight unseen", right?)

I'll feature the new Spacelord album next weekend.

-ULTRA