About this album
Where they were
Released in 2009, 'Crack the Skye' is Mastodon's fourth studio album, marking a pivotal shift in their sound following the commercial success of 'Blood Mountain.' At this point, the band was solidifying their reputation as innovators in the heavy metal genre, blending complex narratives with diverse musical styles.
Why it matters
'Crack the Skye' received widespread critical acclaim, debuting at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. Its ambitious narrative structure and sonic exploration significantly influenced the progressive metal scene, inspiring a new generation of heavy bands to incorporate storytelling into their work.
Essential tracks
- "Oblivion" — This opening track sets the stage with its haunting melody and intricate guitar work, encapsulating the album's thematic depth and sonic complexity.
- "The Czar: I. Usurper - II. Escape - III. Martyr - IV. Spiral" — As a multi-part epic, 'The Czar' showcases Mastodon's mastery of progressive composition and thematic storytelling, exemplifying their artistic ambition on this album.
- "Crack the Skye" — 'Crack the Skye' delivers a powerful emotional core with its soaring vocals and intricate arrangements, embodying the album's exploration of loss and transcendence.
Release Date
January 1, 2009
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Oblivion 5:46
- 2 Divinations 3:38
- 3 Quintessence 5:27
- 4 The Czar: I. Usurper - II. Escape - III. Martyr - IV. Spiral 10:54
- 5 Ghost of Karelia 5:24
- 6 Crack the Skye 5:54
- 7 The Last Baron 13:00
