Emperor of Sand
by Mastodon
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Mar 31, 2017
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
Buy Now
Buy on
  1. The Guardian
    Mar 30, 2017
    60
    The first four tracks all follow a familiar template, with drummer Brann Dailor driving everything along at a breathless clip and big, alt-rock refrains that, as memorable as they are, exhibit little of Mastodon’s much-celebrated progressive instinct. But then things pick up.
  2. Classic Rock Magazine
    Mar 22, 2017
    60
    There are passages of experimentation around this album’s edges, such as the post-nuclear drones of Roots Remain, and electronic effects that suggest prolonged exposure to mid-period Tangerine Dream. But Mastodon never really develop these intriguing tendencies.
  3. The A.V. Club
    Mar 31, 2017
    50
    Emperor Of Sand is both progressive and regressive, as Mastodon takes two different parts of its past and slaps them together. And while it occasionally works, more often than not Mastodon just sounds confused.

Awards & Rankings

65
#65 Most Discussed Album of 2017
98
#98 Most Shared Album of 2017

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 76 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 76
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 76
  3. Negative: 6 out of 76
  1. GlauberSohjian
    Mar 31, 2017
    10
    Emperor of Sand, no doubt, is Mastodon's most captive and emotional album yet. The melodies are dense, the riffs furious, epic refrains, deepEmperor of Sand, no doubt, is Mastodon's most captive and emotional album yet. The melodies are dense, the riffs furious, epic refrains, deep lyrics and stellar vocals, a perfect balance of melancholy beauty and euphoric apex. The ambiences of the songs are cinematographic, it feels like in the arid desert, or you come across a sandstorm and then plunge into a river of crystal clear water, although it is only a mirage. The choruses are the best already composed by the band, but despite containing a dense emotional level and an imbued melancholy, they manage to interact with more tense passages, full of anger and anguish, and even happy melodies that pass on a post-traumatic hope. It is a sum of elements that culminates in an epic and memorable work.… Full Review »
  2. Zysoth
    May 2, 2017
    10
    Listening to this album, I definitely had a sense of pressure during this album. With the concept of Cancer being the main premise. MyListening to this album, I definitely had a sense of pressure during this album. With the concept of Cancer being the main premise. My favorite song has to be 'Andromeda' With that very Blood Mountain like riff during the bridge of the song. Overall, I think this would have to be one of my new favorites. And for sure something to keep me occupied as the pop storm blows by.… Full Review »
  3. NicklasW
    Apr 27, 2017
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. Emperor of Sand is the 7th album by Mastodon, which tries to improve their convincing song-craft, which they have built since "The Hunter". As a fan of "Once more for the sun" I was excited to see if they could get it and improve their "new style" even more. Unhappy that this has not happened, the album is catchy and the abstract songwriting around the cancer-oriented album theme and technical instrumentals, make the album still solid and pleasant. The only problem I have with this album is that it feels worse than "Once More Around The Sun" cause of to edgy songs like "Show Yourself"
    Best Songs: Steambreather, Jaguar God, Word to the Wise
    Worst Songs:Show Yourself, Clandestiny
    Recommendations: I would recommend this Album defnetly for Fans of Mastodon and Metal and Rock listeners. its also a good get-into Album just like "The Hunter" and could even appeal to people who dont usually listen to Metal.    … Full Review »
See all user reviews »