Mastodon – Jonah Hex: Revenge Gets Ugly EP
Warner Bros. 2010
Mastodon‘s first foray into the world of film scoring was surely a trial by fire experience. Film studio politics saw the bands original work with composer John Powell curtailed thanks to reshoots, scheduling issues and a change in the films tone. The revisions also meant that the group had to rework their contributions while on tour – a move that surely distracted them from reaching their full potential.
The troubled production and creative differences no doubt impacted Mastodon‘s output; as did their eventual pairing with composer Marco Beltrami, who wound up overseeing the score to its completion. In fact the band were quick to point out in recent interviews that while their initial sessions for the undertaking were largely aggressive, the final versions were subdued in order to reach Beltrami‘s vision.
Given the turbulence behind the score alone, not to mention the films low box office, it seems a bit odd that some of the groups contributions would surface a a standalone EP. And yet here it is, four tracks from the score along with two additional alternate (and admittedly more interesting) versions.
To put it bluntly though, those looking for the relentless progressive complexity the outfit have come to be known for will not find their hunger satiated here. The ravages of the band being molded by outside sources are readily apparent as the included material features the core Mastodon aesthetic, but little of its expansive vision.
Ringing chords, some subtle percussion and a few mild churning riffs make up the bulk of the material with “Indian Theme” bearing the closest resemblance to a standard Mastodon track. The rest is more or less Mastodon with a leash on, faint glimpses of struggle allow them to get away with a crunchy riff here or an ominous squeal there only to be quickly reigned in a moment later.
It’s by no means an uninspired venture, but one that feels forcibly domesticated, with the band almost sounding as though they are being shoehorned into a vision not entirely their own. Sadly in the end, much like the film itself, fanboys only need apply.
- USER RATING
- ( 11 votes, 2.45 stars )
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COMMENTS
Mastodon=garbage
Coming from a guy that likes Cold and Nonpoint…
In the “Crack the Skye” booklet.. did anyone notice the expiration date for their online merch store coupon?? It’s kinda funny & I haven’t heard anyone on theprp mention it yet
Everything about this movie was terrible, the soundtrack wasnt gonna save it. Maybe if they had Diddy cover a Mastodon song with Godzilla in the back round, but thats a stretch.
@midnight machete, true dat, didn’t Rivers Cuomo write their most popular song.
@jayofdajungle, a) yes Rivers wrote Stupid Girl, a song that Cold themselves dont even like, and it was only popular for the same reason that lady gaga is popular, cuz the masses like shit music. its a terrible song from their worst album. however, 13 ways to bleed on stage is a masterpiece. the old album reviews arent still on this site but back in 2000, Wookubus gave it a 5/5. not that i agree that mastodon is garbage, im just saying Cold has made one of the best albums of all time.
The two alternate versions of the tracks were infinitely more interesting. Train Assault is decent, but it feels like a half completed song. I remember reading in interviews how excited Bill was about using different instruments in the studio he normally doesn’t use, and none of that showed up on this. That’s a shame. Here’s hoping the original versions of these songs see the light of day somehow. Oh, and anyone that says Cold has created anything other than total garbage, much less “one of the best albums of all time” has no idea what the fuck they’re talking about.
Self-Titled Cold ruled, zachballs
@Midnight- Nonpoint’s first album was solid as hell… everything after is boring. However, I love Cold and always will. Every album they’ve written is solid (13 Ways to Bleed on Stage is INCREDIBLE as is their Self-titled).
Mastodon destroy anything Cold has ever released. Cold were on a tour opening for Weezer and all the Weezer fans thought they were garbage, so Cold dropped off the tour because they couldn’t take it. I guess no one wanted to sit through a 30 minute set of Staind Jr. Nonpoint also blow dogs for quarters.
Cold= Solid as fuck! Nonpoint= not. Did you just talk about Weezer and Cold and make some comparison? Hmmmm… You may not speak further.
Christ, can we drop the fuckin’ Cold thing already? This is a Mastodon thread. Start a fuckin’ Cold thread somewhere else. Somewhere else far away. I’m not a taste-basher, but honestly, someone that says “Mastodon=garbage” shouldn’t be listened to, about anything, not even by their own muthah.
I never said Cold was my fav band. I would had never even picked a Cold picture for my name but it was the only one that worked. Anywho, Mastodon’s song writing and lyrics are absolute garbage. Try a real band like Tool, Meshuggah, Chimaira, Soundgarden, or many others where music has meaning. Where music doesn’t sound like shit. Funny thing, this score’s reviews are exceptional. Maybe they don’t blow chunks at writing their own music… just score’s? No… they do. Saw them get boo’ed off stage too! Great times
Chimes in…
*
@GreezyC – I haven’t seen a comment on this site that is so mistaken. Your opinion be damned….You truly think they’re not a ‘real’ band? Wow. And to call out Mastodon as musicians who cannot write music and lyrics is absurd.
@GreasyC – 1) Tool, ‘Shuggah, Soundgarden? Love ‘em. Thanks for the suggestions though. You’re not a total loss. 2) This score’s reviews are NOT “exceptional”… 3 out of 5? And user reviews at 2.3 out of 5? The reviews are mediocre because the score is mediocre. So Mastodon fucked up, which may partially be the director’s fault, partially their fault, either way. The music isn’t near the calibre of their usual output. But you can’t whitewash a band ‘cuz they blew it once. Metallica “has sucked”, but does not suck overall, y’know? 3) “Mastodon’s song writing and lyrics are absolute garbage.” Wow. Really? I guess you’re right. I only wish they could write shit as deep and layered as Cold. Really deep, stinking shit. Fucking garbage. 4) If you don’t wanna be pegged as ColdSuperFanFag, change your fuckin’ avatar. I’m out!
First of all, Cold’s lyrics are incredible on many levels. Ya’ll feel passionate about Mastodon, I admire that. I don’t. Since I’ve seen them in concert and watched numerous videos, I personally find their music unappealing and lame. I hate their lyrics and that is my issue. I can live with not liking them or owning any of their stuff. For instance, some people hate EA Poe, but I love his shit, it’s dark and delicious… matter of preference. I enjoy sharing my opinion as do ya’ll. So, we can agree to disagree, I think Mastodon sucks monkey nuts, you like them. Good lord, next you will be sticking up for Green Day….
Whoa, let’s not get crazy. I think we’re on the same page with Green Day. I don’t think putting them in the same line as Mastodon is fair at all though. Come on. Anyway, no need to get into that shite. In the end, let’s dis/agree. Cold and Mastodon both rock/suck to some degree to some people at some time in some place. But I still win.
Eh, I am going to have to go with stalemate. But you’re right…. I’d rather listen to Mastodon everyday the rest of my life than have to hear one Green Day song… No one is as awful as Green Day… not possible.
@GreezyC: I WILL speak further. Obviously Cold are Weezer fans considering they had Rivers Cuomo of Weezer co-write their ONLY hit single. Get your facts straight before you try to talk big game.
You all are retarded. Fighting over someone’s choice of music is like arguing which season of the year is better. Who gives a shit if someone prefers summer while you prefer winter? I enjoy this album for what it is. I don’t listen to, nor have I listened to Mastodon before hearing this album and yes, its simple but its good. I enjoy solid instrumental albums (like Caspian or Godspeed You! Black Emperor) and tracks (Darkest Hour’s Veritas, Aequitas ftw!), and sure those bands may be a lot more complex than this album is, it doesn’t make it bad in comparison. And that’s the root of the problem, people like to compare shit way too much, take it for what it is. Like it or hate it and let others do the same.
Hm, your post reminds me of another, way more hardcore post I read a while back. This one’s OK, but I hope the next one’s better. And I am NOT wetodid!
@GreezyC, Did you actually say the name Chimaira in the same sentence as Tool, Meshuggah, and Soundgarden? Chimaira is a fucking joke. They are a former rap metal band, who got their big start from a crappy TV show that was called FarmClub. Also, there was NO comparison made in DexterMorgans comment about Weezer, and Cold, he was just saying that the Weezer fans hated Cold so bad that they had to leave the Weezer tour. Learn to read. The fact you attack Weezer, and say Cold has one of the best album of all time is hilarious at best. Try the fact that Weezer’s first 2 albums are all-time classics, and are on actual lists of all-time albums that matter, not the Hit Parader top 100 crap.
Anyways, Mastodon IMO hasn’t released a cd worth my while since Leviathan.
@Relentless – Man, I really can’t understand you guys that dropped off after Leviathan… I feel like you’re missing out, but as someone pointed out before, debating the right and wrong of musical taste is like eating spaghetti at the bottom of a pool – it doesn’t get you anywhere. Did you drop off Tool after AEnima too?
Why wouldn’t someone drop off after Aenima? Lateralus and 10,000 Days are both off-the-deep-end, pretentious garbage. But as it goes for Cold, I love nu-metal apologists, theprp seems to be the only place losers like this congregate. People that still go on about how they think “Korn’s first album was the shit, man.” 1,2,3, here we come with the wicked!
korn’s first album IS the shit, man
@robin – AEnima is where Tool peaked, but Lateralus was still decent. 10,000 Days was just boring as hell, and by far their worst album ever. Mastodon is just boring after Leviathan. I understand they wanna be this crazy band that is always evolving, but they are doing it in a very boring way IMO. I have listened to both of their recent albums, and I just cant do it. And Nu-Metal is still the most embarrassing scene of music ever. The Disco of the 90/00.
I guess I just don’t get it then. Blood Mountain’s what hooked me like a fish, I think it’s as solid as anything previous. And sure, Crack the Skye’s their “gone mainstream” or “sold out” or “I’m cool ‘cuz I only like their early stuff” album, but it’s better than 90% of the crap being crapped out in recent years. Tool-wise, I’m baffled by how Lateralus gets shirked. That’s my favourite album. We could debate till the end of time, but that’s where I see Tool running with the ball they caught in Aenima. I need to stop, I’m really butchering these metaphors…
Haha whatever gets you into good music man. I have been a long time Tool fan, and when Aenima came out, it changed my outlook on music, but nothing after that has really done anything for me. As for Mastodon, I just miss the old vocal style. I’m not one of those people who care if a band “sells out” or anything, just as long as it sounds good to me. Which they just didn’t for me. I remember the first time I heard Remissions, and I have never gotten that same feel from them ever again.
Oh and don’t count the music scene out. Yes, this style of music has kinda died, but there is a ton of great bands coming out in other genres as of late.
How is Chimaira considered a rap metal band? Mark doesn’t rap. They got lumped in the metalcore genre. They have come a long way since farmclub. By the way I listen to Mastodon, Cold, tool, Meshuggah and almost every other band mentioned in this thread. Why can’t people like what they like without being made fun of? I am a fan of music. Lets band together and maybe they will not play shite like Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber.
@ Casey. Agreed! Well said…. only point is, Green Day belongs in that Lady Gaga category, hahaha…
@casey – It appears that a few of you in here cant read. I said a FORMER RAP METAL band. When they got signed for the 1st time, they were playing rap metal. Chimaira got their start as a rap metal band. Anyways, I’m good on not banding together. I cant fight against crap music with Chimaira fans.
13 Ways To Bleed On Stage is an awesome album from beginning to end, and even though it came out during the rap and nu-metal years, it shouldn’t be lumped in there. I don’t care for anything else by cold, but I still listen to that one. I haven’t cared for Mastodon since Leviathon and since Shavo cold cocked the singer. How embarrassing.
The amusing thing about that VMA incident was that Hinds more serious injuries were the result of him not being able to simply stand up straight.
@ relentless_beating. Yes I can read and also own this present darkness. This is chimaira’s first album. And guess what no rap metal. Also Kerry King listens to them. I bet he doesn’t listen to limp bizkit.
Kerry King eats Bizkits dipped in Chimaira for breakfast.
Lady Gaga >>>>>> Cold, Korn, Chimaira, Limp Bizkit
the prp is turning into a waste of time. it seems like most of the reporting and discussion here is centering around bands like Disturbed, Korn, and Limp Bizkit, while a lot of bands who are actually good aren’t getting reported on or discussed at all. the april fool’s day ‘nu-prp’ is the true nature of the prp. It wasn’t funny because it wasn’t a joke – the prp is a site which is stuck in nu-metal land thanks to most of you. christ
… so we should see what Lady Gaga’s up to?
In other news, saw Mastodon at Heavy MTL and they killed. Wicked wicked stuff.
I would find it a lot more worthwhile to receive news on the most interesting pop star of the day than on a bunch of washed up bands who weren’t even worthwhile when they relevant.
Yet you’re still here… hm.
I hear Perez Hilton might have what you’re lookin’ for.
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