Bang Your Heads: Gojira and Mastodon at Starland Ballroom

On November 1, I got the pleasure of once again seeing the bands Gojira and Mastodon on stage once again for Mastodon's tour of One More 'Round the Sun tour. I had seen both bands in New York in early spring and the show was amazing. In July, I was visiting some friends in Baltimore and got the idea of buying some tickets while having a nice brew at a bar. And there it was; the same show, close enough to me and on a Saturday. At first I thought it was a dream but I snapped back to reality and promptly bought tickets. Neither band is ever a let down.

The above picture is Gojiro playing their 8 song set. I would love to see them as headliners. They are such a great band live; super tight and whoever does their live mixing must be some kind of savant. I have no complaints, even though they didn't play "Flying Whales" the set list was still killer. This band is an absolute joy to see live and I highly recommend giving them a shot if you haven't listened to them. You have to like metal though; that is a prerequisite.

Mastodon headlined the show and it was awesome. The set list included favorites like "Blood and Thunder" and "Oblivion" but was mostly filled with songs from the newest album which the tour is named for. "High Road" live is something that everyone relatively interested in Mastodon should experience. Once again, this band has impressed me with their live performance. They aren't much of showmen, but their presence is their music not stupid human tricks with instruments. Pumped up on the awesomeness that was the show, I broke away to buy a beer and a $35 t-shirt; now that's dedication! I can't wait to go see them again and highly recommend seeing them.

If you have an interest in metal, check both bands out. I find Gojiro to be a bit more of an acquired taste but still great. Mastodon probably has a little more mass appeal and have put out some great albums. Give them a try!

Enjoy