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Hushed and Grim
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Hushed and Grim Image
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 55 Ratings

  • Summary: The eighth full-length studio release for the Atlanta metal band was produced by David Bottrill.
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    Oct 29, 2021
    90
    While Hushed and Grim tracks the stages of grief, it also reflects on the soul's journey after death. Musically, Mastodon illuminate the emotional heft of their subject matter in gorgeously architected compositions rendered with abundant creativity, massive power, and searing honesty.
  2. Clash Music
    Oct 27, 2021
    90
    On the strength of this ballsy behemoth of sound, they're easily holding onto that crown while adding yet another shining jewel. 'Hushed And Grim' is a reminder of what makes the band so beloved while boldly stepping into a new chapter. They've never sounded so good.
  3. The Line of Best Fit
    Oct 29, 2021
    90
    A modern classic, from a band who’ve made a career off the back of modern classics.
  4. Classic Rock Magazine
    Oct 27, 2021
    80
    This is a work of beauty and beastliness in equal measure. [Nov 2021, p.71]
  5. DIY Magazine
    Oct 28, 2021
    80
    A riveting fullness echoes throughout the record.
  6. Rolling Stone
    Oct 27, 2021
    80
    Hushed and Grim never stops giving, and the album’s energy, depth, and power make it a completely unique addition to the band’s mammoth catalog.
  7. Pitchfork
    Oct 28, 2021
    57
    The band known for continually surprising listeners ultimately falls short, mostly hiding behind unexceptional, diluted alt-metal. Instead of letting this bold idea guide the way, it’s offered up as an apology affixed to the end of their least ambitious collection yet. Mastodon, once transgressive in its refusal to be put in a box, has shaved off its sharp edges and crawled inside.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 4 out of 21
  1. Timentiy
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    Невероятно красивый и крутой альбом который я ждал от них со времен Crack the sky. Даже если они будут выпускать такие записи раз в десять летНевероятно красивый и крутой альбом который я ждал от них со времен Crack the sky. Даже если они будут выпускать такие записи раз в десять лет я готов подождать. Браво!!!… Expand
  2. CropCircleX
    Oct 30, 2021
    10
    First of all, let me just say that I've been a Mastodon fan since Leviathan and I've loved following their musical evolution throughout theFirst of all, let me just say that I've been a Mastodon fan since Leviathan and I've loved following their musical evolution throughout the years. Hushed and Grim sounds familiar but new. Parts of the album sound like they could be companion pieces for Blood Mountain or Once More Around the Sun. The albums hits you with some serious curveballs like "Peace and Tranquility" that starts out with a high-octane riff full of ascending and descending palm mutes and hammer-ons, and "More Than I Could Chew", which hammers down a crushing riff supporting clean vocals. I consider this album to have a bit more breadth and complexity compared to Emperor of Sand. While fans of Leviathan, Remission, and Crack the Skye Mastodon may be disappointed that it doesn't sound as hard or heavy as the old stuff, I can appreciate the ways in which they made a familiar sound feel fresh. I think there was only one song that I didn't care for too much, but overall it's a great listen. Give our Atlanta boys some credit. They've been slaying the game for a while now.… Expand
  4. Manofmusic
    Dec 6, 2021
    10
    Absolutely fantastic album. Disliked it after first few listens but after months I cannot stop listening to it. Up there with Crack the Skye.Absolutely fantastic album. Disliked it after first few listens but after months I cannot stop listening to it. Up there with Crack the Skye. Such an ethereal feel. Listen to the album from beginning to end or don't listen at all.… Expand
  5. MementoSomnia
    Oct 29, 2021
    10
    Spectacular lyricism and untouched raw emotion. A dark story of loss and memory. This album is very different from what we are used to but itSpectacular lyricism and untouched raw emotion. A dark story of loss and memory. This album is very different from what we are used to but it falls nothing short of being spectacular. 10/10… Expand
  6. driver8207003
    Nov 21, 2021
    9
    The long and short of it is that you simply can't make an honest evaluation of this record on the first one, or maybe three listens. AsideThe long and short of it is that you simply can't make an honest evaluation of this record on the first one, or maybe three listens. Aside from the length, there is (as one critic noted) so much to unpack here. Rush were also criticized for delving into more melodic mainstream sounding music. However, there is a generous mix of just about every sound and style from the first album up to now. It's intricate, thoughtful, raw and essentially a top knotch offering. And the concert in NY last night only made you realize just how good this new music is; the show was astounding, and even the more mainstream stuff sounded excellent. If you give this record anything less than a good review, you're not listening close enough.… Expand
  7. Eldoreabc
    Oct 31, 2021
    8
    A lot More diverse than there other albums, still has a lot Of head banging riffs but a lot of songs with subtlety as well! A lot of theA lot More diverse than there other albums, still has a lot Of head banging riffs but a lot of songs with subtlety as well! A lot of the negative reviewers are trolls so keep that in mind.… Expand
  8. Richard_Jones
    Sep 16, 2022
    0
    'Hushed & Grim' is, for me, Mastodon's best album. I love it. 'Crack the skye' is next but quite different. Richard

See all 21 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

54
#54 Most Discussed Album of 2021

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