Mastodon

Smiley 27 January 2019

It was an early start, what with Mutoid Man coming on before I’d barely laid hands on my first pint, but straight away they set the standard for the night. In case you don’t know, Mutoid Man is the project of Cave In's Stephen Brodsky, along with Converge drummer Ben Koller, and bassist Nick Cageao. They have a kind of math-y, multi-layered, precision that draws you in and sounds like there should be more people involved than just the trio on stage. I felt like I’d have enjoyed it more if I’d known more of their material, for which I’ve only got myself to blame, and is a situation I do not intend to repeat as I hope to get the chance to see them again.

Next up were Kvelertak, a band I’ve been looking forward to seeing again. This time around, new-guy Ivar Nikolaisen is the man on the mic after replacing original singer Erland Hjelvik last year, and I’m happy to report that they rock just as hard on stage as they ever have. Maybe even more. Nikolaisen reminded me of a screamy, more erratic Joey Ramone, all head down/fists up, as the three guitars created a cacophpony of metal tinged with classic rock and sprinkled with punk. The only way it could’ve been better is if he had waved the largest flag you’ve ever seen over the crowd to finish the gig, whilst the band goes wild. Oh no, wait. That did happen. So, pretty much a perfect set then.

Finally it was time for Mastodon to take the stage to much cheering, and as soon as B.Hinds and co. started, It was clear to see why they’re widely regarded as being top of the class. Complete with trippy stage projections, they have a totality that infects the audience. A sense of oneness and perfection that gives you the impression that they’re not creating the sound you hear, more like channelling it from some other worldly place. Heavy metal conduits to the realm of the riff. There’s not a note played or a word sang out of place, and there’s no time for niceties either as they pound through song after song from all across their back catalogue. Scott Kelly from Neurosis joins the stage, and growls alongside Mastodon’s own Troy Sanders for the last few songs just to really make the evening peak, and as the last solo is shredded, and the last drum fill rolled, the crowd goes wild.

All told it was an amazing evening and all three bands were at the top of their game. Man, I hope that’s the tone set for 2019.

9/10