Here's my review on Crack the Skye by Mastodon:

While the Blood Mountain left me cringing at the chaotic sounds that didnt mix, Crack the Skye redeemed all their previous failures. It seems that more bands are following the Cradle of Filth trend and making an entire album about a person. Mastodon's album, Crack the Skye is all about the life and times of Gregory Rasputin (except for the song, Crack the Skye, which is about the drummer's sister's suicide). It's interesting to hear a progressive/groove metal feel to such an amazing topic.

Crack the Skye also follows the elemental theme that Mastodon has incorporated to their album art. Remission being Fire, Leviathan being Water, Blood Mountain being Forest, Wood, or Life, and Crack the Skye topping it with Ether, Space or Air, bringing more of a humble atmosphere to the album, yet it can also make it seem to have open possibilities.

When you hear the opening track, it does indeed sound like another Blood Mountain, however, the album flows well, bringing thieir groove metal sense back, and differing more from trying to be an unholy combination of Rush and Dream Theater. The riffs are much like from Leviathan, however, they do in fact have their own sound, giving it more of a faster-pased, yet opperatic sound when combined with the Ozzy-like sounds of the vocals.

The sounds of Crack the Skye flow amazingly well. If you can buy this album (dont pirate it like me), then I suggest you go do it now, before the apocalypse comes.