Even now, in the pinnacle of prog's return, you don't get too many concept albums. Alright, so there was 2002's premier effort from The Mars Volta, "De-Loused In The Comatorium", and Yes' "Tales From...wait, that was the 80's. But this, Mastodon's sophomore effort, is based on the book "Moby Dick"

Disappointingly, the first line of lyrics is not "Call me Ishmael", but it's not really the lyrics that stand out on this one. It's the riffs. The whole album is jam-packed full of 'em, from the driving, pulsating rythym of tracks like "Blood And Thunder", to the pure full on fret wankery of 13-minuter "Hearts Alive".

The band are slightly mismatched to their label, Relapse, traditionally home to utter mentalists. This record isn't one to be overlooked by extreme noise terrorists, though. The band bring to mind the class of bands like Meshuggah (whose brilliant 'Nothing' is an essential purchase), while not slipping into complete self-indulgence.

When I picked up this CD, I was expecting a full-on progout of epic proportions, but in reality I got a top drawer metal album with powerful riffs, great numbers mostly staying under 5 minutes, and some slaying melodies. Talking of slaying, the band supported in the Unholy Alliance, being, in my view, probably the best band there considering the obstacle of a 20 minute set they had to face.

Ollie Connors