Mastodon - EMPEROR OF SAND Album Review 

I have not heard the whole record yet, but I dig the singles they have released from it. I don't understand how someone can shit on Sultan's Curse. That song is badass

This was a great review. I had gotten into them a few years ago right before Once More came out. I fell in love with them because of Crack the Skye and loved everything else I heard. Once More Round The Sun was great but like you said they aren't staying in the same place and are evolving which I dont think is an issue cause the songs are great I just wish they would put out a solid straight through album like the hunter or crack the skye again where every track on it fits the entire album as a whole and isn't all over the place genre wise. I still love the songs but it throws me off trying to listen straight through. Like Sultans Curse ends and flows straight intro the Ghost of Karelia where Show Yourself feels like it would fit better on Once More Round the Sun. Can't fully complain though because they still are coming out with great shit.

CKN, Totally respect your review/take on this. For me, this album is right up there with Crack The Skye, a very solid second place in the discography. Maybe a 2b/2a with Leviathan, CTS being their 'opus' or, in metal terms, their Master of Puppets. Get what you meant when you said the record seemed to shift after Steambreather, which it did and yeah... Jaguar God is probably the best representation of who/what Mastodon truly is as a band since CTS. Saying all that, Im a diehard Mastodon fan. Seen em a bunch of times live, and last time I did they closed their set with 'The Czar' so... yeah. Im waiting to see/hear how the new stuff blends into their live set.

I think its one of their top three albums behind crack the skye and blood mountain just narrowly edging out leviathan.

Good review buddy! I am loving this album...i can hear a blend of all of mastodon in this album. I feel this album is a breath of fresh air to an extent as you can tell it's mastodon but they are braving some new territory. once more round the sun left me feeling a tad but disappointed so this has invigorated my Mastodon lovin spirit \m/

EOS is a worthy addition to the Don's discog and like all great albums it takes a few spins to digest completely. I can't wait to catch them live and hear it first hand.

I feel the same. Like the album is amazing, definitely on my list for this year. But it would be my favorite if they had some longer tracks in there. Like if you combined a few tracks together, and made some sort of link between them, then it would be perfect imo.

Just got this album today, and I've gained a new respect for these guys! Really strong stuff.

This album is fucking great. Ancient Kingdom and Jaguar God get you right in the heart. I can't respect anyone's opinion who says this is a lesser album in their catalogue, it's better than Blood Mountain, The Hunter and OMATS despite its flaws.

Steambreather is bad ass

Fantastic album! One of my favorites for 2017, got it on vinyl, sounds great!

New subscriber,old metal head, enjoy the reviews

The bridge part on Andromeda is “one of the greatest thing that happened in metal!”

Hey man if you havent check out Nova Collective's The Other Side featuring Dan Briggs from BtBaM and Richard Henshell from Haken

I think this album opens a new era in the Mastodon sound, I thought it was going to be the third in the Hunter/RoundTheSun era (or as I like to call it: the clean logo albums :P). It's definitely from that sound... but I dunno it's something else. Mastodon songs usually need a few listens to fully appreciate, but I'm enjoying the album so far :)

So far I enjoy this more then once more round the sun favorite tracks sultan's curse, show yourself, precocious stones, roots remain, clandestiny,Scorpion breath

as per usual great review.

I thought it kicked ass idk how people hate it

love this album. the vocal work on sultans curse was already insane, and I don't know why people still don't like it.

CKN is killing me! :( No Pallbearer HEARTLESS? I thought with his love for Trees Of Eternity, Katatonia and Alice In Chains, he was guaranteed to review Pallbearer.

This album is 100% my favorite out of Mastodon. I understand why crack the skye is a favorite album for the most of the people, especially guitar players - because yeah it's really eargasm for guitar playing but for me the emperor of sand's is the best and most complete one.

New Warbringer kicks ass! You should review that soon!

This album is great, Ancient Kingdom is my favorite but I really like all the other songs also.

A very solid album. Not their best, but definitely solid. They do a few interesting things here and there, but I feel like they need to just go balls to the wall with the experimenting and push the boat out a bit more. I feel like this is how they push beyond a "solid" album and create another game changer like Crack the Skye

Jaguar God is just magical. Takes me away every time

I AGREE! JAGUAR GOD SLAYS! LETS GET MORE EPICS!

when are you getting a new microphone?

After trying very hard to get into Mastodon I still think they are just a bit progged up alternative rock 😅

perfect

suicide silence implosion? what happened?

I don't understand why this album is so popular each to their own though I guess...

I only skip the 2nd track. I prefer more aggressive music.

Top 5 *Napalm Death* songs of all time, pls type in replies below thanks fellas:

Time for a buzz cut bud

I have always respected Mastodon, but I'm not a fan of this record.

Love Mastodon, but i unfortunately I feel this may be their weakest release yet. It might grow on me with time, but thats just my first impression

Truly a return to form. I haven't heard a band blend their old sound with their new direction so well. Though I miss the longer proggy stuff and the aggression of Leviathan and Blood Mountain, this album was bombastic, psychedelic, proggy at times, and I'd say Brent's best performance ever. Loved it.

I know stoner bullshit is a bit tired but I smoked some great bud last night and listened to this on the good stereo and it was magical. a combination of head banging and banging my head off the ceiling as I floated around. love it.

I'm really curious why nobody in the reviews mentions Clandestiny. This song is just pure magic to me and is the second best, after Jaguar God, on the second have, if not the whole album. Does anyone else love that song?

Godamn it dude, i've been watching your reviews since 2013. Get a microphone.

Absolutely addicted to this album. Scorpion Breath is such an intense track. I feel it's gonna kill me every time I listen to it. Steambreather is a stunner too! Really proud of Mastodon for yet another great album!

This album is fantastic!

Jaguar God is the coolest song name ever.

On every mastodon album there are a few songs I skip over. None on this one

This album is easily one of my favorites from Mastodon, it's up there with Blood Mountain and Crack The Skye.

I think this album is just a lot of Mastodon being Mastodon. I actually really dig this record, as it joins the two eras of Mastodon together really well. Sultans Curse is a great, classic opener, Steambreather is a fun listen, Roots Remain is really expansive in the way it develops, and Jaguar God needs no justification. I love that song

This is one of those Mastodon Albums that grows on you, about the third time through I'm feeling the vibes. I felt the same way with the Hunter. I was instantly wowed by Once More Around the Sun. This is definitely not a disappointment.

This album is probably the best sounding album ever by mastodon. I met them at a signing yesterday when the album came out and it was pretty damn epic as they played the album over the stereo. Great guys and Brann even offered me a beer at a listening party later that day. So in my opinion this album exceeds Leviathan (which was my favorite and is still for their heavier sound) and is tied with crack the skye. Memories and personal experiences may play a part in my decision but hey there you go

Steambreather, Jaguargod, Andromeda.. just some of the many golden tracks off of this album. You owe this album to yourself. It's fantastic.

i came here after the Anthony Fantano review this was the exact opposite of his review

Man, why don't you get a microphone?

Word to the Wise is my favorite song have heard so far.

I can't wait to hear the whole album! Not sure about your scoring system of 30? Seems odd what is the purpose? A 24/30 is basically an 8/10 or 80/100 or a 4/5 24/30 just looks/sounds weird lol

Not a proper Mastodon fan but Steambreather is my favourite song on the album atm, love the album as a whole though

I was a bit worried hearing the singles, but now hearing them in the context of the record I have to say this is probably their best album since Crack the Skye. Had it came out between that album and the Hunter I feel like it would've bridged the gap perfectly.

Cracke the Skye- 10/10Leviathon- 9.5/10Blood Mountain- 9/10Emperor of Sand- 9/10OMRTS- 8.5Remission- 8The Hunter- 7

Please, PLEASE get a mic... you have way too many subs to sound like this...

Really enjoy the new record! Jaguar God was fantastic and a standout IMO.

I really enjoyed this album a lot. Jaguar God is definitely the highlight and it definitely had that Crack The Skye vibe which I liked. There were some bumps in the road but they weren't huge bumps and they definitely make up for them in the latter half of the record.

I have always liked Mastodon, since Remission, and I really dig this record. Best since CTS imo, don't understand the hate, but that comes with good, polarizing music I suspect.

Great and solid album, Mastodon might be one of the most consistent bands out there who are freely evolving somewhere with every album and yet giving the mastodony quality EVERY DAMN TIME. One other amazing band comes to my mind in this context: Deftones.

first listen it struck me as same-y but holy fuck I've been spinning it the past few weeks (the leak) and it gets better every time. Fucking awesome record, my favourite since Skye. I can't stress enough if you're feeling disappointed after one or two listens KEEP GOING

cold dark place please

their there own. admire that, I like listening to them, then, heading into some Pelican, Be'lakor, ect.. Hail the Heavy!!

This album was absolutley fantastic! What a great piece. Check out our review if you have time!

Wtf it took me forever to find this video what the hell RU-vid! You're not showing my subscriptions

Jaguar god is by far my fav mastodon song. It’s just perfect

Nobody closes an album out like the mighty Mastodon.

You really need to upgrade to some better audio man.

React to their new song Toe to Toes. It's so good

bought this album yesterday

I like Mastadon quite a lot, haven't checked out their last 2 albums but maybe I'll check this one out. Wondering if you're planning on reviewing Incubus' new album 8, I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on this album, especially considering that most critics aren't being too kind to this album. But regardless of what shortcomings the album may have, it's not worth the 0.5/5 rating that a Sputnik Music staff member gave it, I mean c'mon a 0.5 is downright unlistenable with no redeemable qualities, few albums are really that terrible...

I like the content of your videos, but they sound so bad, man! I'm not trying to teach you to do your job - consider my words as unrequested yet loving constructive criticism! Buy a better mic and maybe learn some editing techniques. I'm sure your reviews will seem much more professional and you'll attract many more fans! :)

bro get a mic, pls. your videos are hard to hear.

Jaguar God=Life

+coverkillernation Ive been a subscriber since you had around 32K subs and I've enjoyed your videos very much. I have one question, How many albums have you listened to? Thanks keep up the fantastic work. Ps love your speech, u can really speak your words well and make your point clear. Have a good day!

Love it on my listens so far, my favourite songs on it being Andromeda, Clandestiny, Precious Stones, Steambreather and Jaguar God. I have to agree though, I wish they'd gone a little more Crack The Skye style and given us another long epic or two alongside Jaguar God.

Excellent review, man. Love your work, love this album. Big ups on the donation work you'll be doing for our furry friends. Keep up the fantastic work!

The most awaited album since Benighted for me. And it is late getting here.... Goddamn European distribution (Fucking Soni Music!)

I don't think it's a bad album. I think the problem for me is that they've put quite a few albums out now and I'll probably just never listen to it much, I'll get my 'don fix from previous albums. Like Steel Panther they're starting to run out of steam for me. Testament did that by the time Souls of Black came out then a few years later with Low I was interested again.

best since Crack the Skye. The Hunter was good.... Once More Around the Sun was weak and directionless. This has powerful choruses- like the Hunter but less somber than that record and more epic

Fix your sound please, there is something in the background sound which sounds like a metronome..

It be cool if you gave examples whenever you mention "melody-driven" or other descriptions. You could do it like singing a specific part. Good videos!

The album is a good listen. I wouldn't say it's mind blowing or life changing. It's pretty hard to top the first 4 albums. They are more of pop heavy rock band now. Still will be cool to see them live.

Great review was expected, but was surprised by the charity mention at the end. Sounds like such a great cause, and ties in well to the theme of the album. Thanks CKN!

I don't give two shits about whatever adjective anyone is willing to attach to Roots Remain, the song is a fuckin masterpiece. The rest of the album has its highlights, and they grow on me every time I listen to them, but Roots Remain IMO, is their Magnum Opus, and it will be hard to top.

Before I watch the video: The album is not bad but it does get boring after a few listens. The first track is pretty good and then it kind of doesn't feel that great. 65/100.

I don't know where I'd put this album on my Mastodon rankings yet (maybe 4th?) but Jaguar God is an instant top 10 song from them

Totally Agree with all your very Erudite comments. I have been a fan since the beginning.

Completely agree with the Crack the Skye part. Mastodon is best when they go all out and write 10-minute songs. I like this album a lot though. I thought the shift in vocals was aaaaaaawesome.

Great review. Glad you liked the album. taking me a while to get into it but im getting there. Havent had time to really sit and enjoy some music lately..Sad that its come out so long ago and im still not 100% familiar with all the tracks. But I agree Jaguar God is my favorite as on now!

If you have anytime to review a smaller band, we'd love to hear your feedback on our EP, Liminality! Head on over to our page to stream it, or contact us for a complimentary copy!

The only thing I dislike on this album is the excessive amount of percussion. Jaguar god is definitely the album highlight.

killer lp!!! im usually into heavier music but this is a good record and got me into mastodon! i watched the making of emperor of sand and made me really want this album. love these guys. down the rabbit hole i go..

Anything Mastodon rights I've heard all their records I like how they how they f****** play man it's f****** awesome and then three singers that singing it hails yeah

You should do a thing for unsigned bands, upcoming bands etc. Maybe like an #unsignedthursday or something to stimulate new music

Love your videos

great review. pretty much where I would rate it. Little of a let down from Once more around the sun and on the the level as Hunter. Has it's good moments though.

I think they could use a little less of the bells and whistles. I think some parts could do without the constant shakers and tambourine. Just my opinion so get off my case.

I like it... while I'd prefer it to be a bit heavier, I am happy with what they've accomplished, and I really do appreciate what they have done with this record.