UMUR
"9 Song Demo" is the first demo recording by US metal act Mastodon. The demo was independently released in 2000. It´s the only Mastodon recording featuring original lead vocalist Eric Saner. The demo was sold as self-prouced CD-Rs at Mastodon´s early shows. Saner left Mastodon after only a few shows, and the remaining members opted to continue as a quartet and divide the vocals between them. All nine tracks featured on this 28:00 minutes long demo were subsequently re-released featuring re-recorded vocals by guitarist Brent Hinds and bassist Troy Sanders, replacing the original vocal tracks recorded by Saner. The "Call of the Mastodon" track was released on the "Demo 2001" demo, three other tracks were released on the 2001 "Slick Leg" EP and the remaining five tracks were released on the 2001 "Lifesblood" EP. All tracks featuring the re-recorded vocals are also available on the 2006 "Call of the Mastodon" compilation album, which makes them more easily accessible than having to find a demo and two old EPs to listen to them.
Considering that "9 Song Demo" is a demo recording the sound quality is top notch. This does not sound like a demo at all. Saner is an aggressive hardcore shouting/semi-growling vocalist and the vocal part of the demo is quite effectful and well performed. Mastodon were already this early on a very well playing unit and the instrumental part of the music is very well performed. Although Mastodon still had a way to go before they found their core sound, this is not far from how they would sound on their debut full-length studio album "Remission" (2002). Busy and technical drumming, aggressive raw vocals, unconventional riffs and harmonies, and a good balance between sludgy heaviness and faster-paced semi-thrashy tempos (and even a death metal hint here and there), combined with adventurous and often progressive songwriting ideas.
The tracks are quite challenging and entertaining but a few more hooks and memorable moments wouldn´t have hurt. It´s on power, intensity, and performances where Mastodon shine on this demo rather than in the songwriting department. When all is said an done, "9 Song Demo" is still quite the impressive first demo recording by Mastodon and a 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.
