Cold Dark Place [EP]
by Mastodon
  • Record Label: Reprise
  • Release Date: Sep 22, 2017
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
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  1. 0Villain
    Dec 19, 2017
    9
    This is a sad album. It is not heavy, it is not loud or chaotic or angry like much of Mastodon's prior work. It is sad, it is depressed, and my God it is beautiful.

    The EP starts right out of the gate with a very slow, solemn tune and the hollow vocals of guitarist Brent Hinds, and it immediately sets the mood of exactly what it promises: a cold dark place. In fact, all songs embody    This is a sad album. It is not heavy, it is not loud or chaotic or angry like much of Mastodon's prior work. It is sad, it is depressed, and my God it is beautiful.

    The EP starts right out of the gate with a very slow, solemn tune and the hollow vocals of guitarist Brent Hinds, and it immediately sets the mood of exactly what it promises: a cold dark place. In fact, all songs embody this setting, a more perfect title couldn't be found. The song does pick up the pace about half way through, and it fills you with just enough warmth to not completely suck your soul out, but not enough to ruin the mood. Its beautiful.

    Blue Walsh is technically an amazing song. I say technically because, for some reason, it doesn't hit me that hard. However, I recognize the musical brilliance involved and most people adore this track, so take my opinion on this track with a grain of salt. It just lacks as much emotional impact and lyrical beauty as the others (once again, in my opinion.)

    Toes to Toes comes next, which was recorded during the Emperor of Sand sessions. This song is astounding. It's rifts get you moving, yet the lyrics remind you not to be too happy. In fact, it has some of the most emotionally charged vocals on the album... until the next track.

    Where do I start with the title track. Well, to begin, it's polarizing. Mostly due to it's incredibly slow burn. It does not begin with much energy. And this will bother a lot of fans of Metal. Its definitely the last heavy song on the album. It's also the longest. However, in my opinion, this is the greatest song I've listened to in years and years, definitely the best song released this year from a major band. If you want to enjoy it, go lay on your bed, put it on, and listen. Don't do anything else. It will hit you hard. It's about loneliness, about leaving the past behind without hope of return, and it's about depression. It is pure sorrow, and I adore it. It's like Bladerunner. It sounds amazing, it has a lot to say, but it takes it's time to do so. Just with more sorrow. Oh, and it finishes with one of the greatest guitar solos of all time. God bless you, Brent Hinds.

    In conclusion, Cold Dark Place is a masterpiece that deserves many listens. It's not Leviathan or Blood Mountain, it's it's own entity unlike anything Mastodon has ever produced. Every song is a If melancholy was embodied in a sonic format, you'd get Cold Dark Place by Mastodon.    … Expand
  2. ursaminorjim
    Jun 1, 2021
    10
    In spite of its relatively slight runtime, I’d argue this is possibly the most perfect single document of what makes Mastodon such a special band. Four astonishing songs that are all concise and precise examples of their songwriting approaches, containing all the sweep and majesty and anxiety and joy and intensity and hypnosis of their best work. It may be a bite-size 22 minutes, but it’sIn spite of its relatively slight runtime, I’d argue this is possibly the most perfect single document of what makes Mastodon such a special band. Four astonishing songs that are all concise and precise examples of their songwriting approaches, containing all the sweep and majesty and anxiety and joy and intensity and hypnosis of their best work. It may be a bite-size 22 minutes, but it’s as immersive as any of the more epic albums in their catalogue. Just a magnificent record, basically.… Expand
  3. whiskybatatao
    Oct 29, 2021
    9
    This EP is complete like any Mastodon album, a true masterpiece!
    Reminds me of some childhood memories.... I don't know why.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
74

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. PopMatters
    Oct 19, 2017
    70
    Cold Dark Place is essential listening for any Mastodon fans who have followed the band into the 2010’s without an excess of griping. Folks who are still waiting for the group to go back and do another Leviathan or Blood Mountain, this maybe isn’t for you.
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  2. Kerrang!
    Sep 28, 2017
    80
    Immediate heaviosity is in short supply, but Cold dark Place instead offers plenty of alternate impact. [30 Sep 2017, p.52]
  3. Spin
    Sep 28, 2017
    80
    Taken together, Cold Dark Place affirms the band’s pursuit of technically ambitious rock with high production value, while continuing to disrupt traditional notions of genre and song structure.
    Read full review
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