So. It turns out - the EP that was originally supposed to follow Once More Round The Sun -
- Brent is putting it out as a solo album for RSD 2017.
Help me out? I wasn't aware of the EP, and this news. Linkage?
>>>Also, I've been looking around at various metal communities...it's weird. A lot of metal fans really think the band sold out with CTS, The Hunter, and OMRTS. I disagree, obviously. I've used this analogy before (and because I always bring things back to the band I am familiar the most with, the original lineup of Queensryche), but Mastodon's trajectory reminds me a lot of the original QR lineup's.
Blood Mountain is Mastodon's version of Rage for Order -- a mix of the past, some new, some experimental, a gem that diehards all love, even if it didn't get the notoriety of their most famous work.
Crack the Skye is Mastodon's Operation Mindcrime -- put the band on the map with mainstream, regarded by most fans as their best work, with some diehard metal fans disagreeing, but generally considered the first big milestone in the band's career, and an epic that really brought out the great chemistry and writing abilities in the and.
The Hunter is Mastodon's Empire -- an attempt at breaking the themeatic/conceptual pattern, and appealing to a wider audience. Got a lot of press and did well.
The comparison ends there, as well, Once More Around the Sun continues that same trend, whereas Queensryche pretty much distanced themselves from what was expected with Promised Land, going anti-commercial (great dark and introspective record though).
Needless to say, I really enjoy Once More Around the Sun, and have enjoyed the first track from Emperor. (I am not listening further -- waiting for the record). I can't wait. I pre-ordered it the other day. Great band.