Mastodon – Sultan’s Curse – Impressions ‘n Dat

Yo, this be Reuben. I mean, I don’t know if I’m going to be able to put what I think of this song into a literate string of words. But let’s wait a sec with some context.

Mastodon were building up the hype for this, through monstrosities like what you are going to watch, because you did promise:

Aaand after four days of suspense that felt like a year, and 3 actual years since their last new material, Mastodon have finally released their debut song of their upcoming album, Emperor of Sand (March 31st), which is already booked in for my spot of Album of the Year. Sultan’s Curse is already one of my favourite songs by Mastodon, who are fast becoming my favourite band. Here it is, folks:

I have listened to this song 9 times and counting since it’s release earlier today and I’ve had every kind of ‘gasm: moaning, groaning and goose-pimpling out of the wazoo with this bit of poontang.

This incredible track feels like a morph of all that is amazing about Mastodon. The brutal heaviness of Leviathan and Remission, the clear mix and riffage of The Hunter, the psychedelic aspect of Once More ‘Round the Sun, the awesome musicianship and energy of Blood Mountain and the prog and heart-felt meaningfulness of Crack the Skye. Sultan’s Curse is truly a song to behold.

Jeering and driving along with its supreme riffage, Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds and Brann Dailor put out awesome vocal sections. Sanders is possibly more energised than he has been, Hinds is clearer than before and Dailor sounds like a new singer, with a mature and accomplished output while he smashes the drums like a God (Bill Kelliher! There, I mentioned his name.). Mastodon have never sounded so loud, accomplished or driven. Whether or not the rest of Emperor of Sand will match the brilliance of Sultan’s Curse, however, we shall see. For now, I’m gonna listen to this song again, and again, and again. And again.

Peace out!

Bringing redundant opinions for scrollers everywhere,

Reuben.