Once More 'Round the Sun
by Mastodon
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 102 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 91 out of 102
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 102
  3. Negative: 4 out of 102
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  1. MarkBeaumont
    Sep 16, 2014
    4
    There was a time when you could always count on Mastodon to do something special, an extreme rarity in the metal world.
    It seems they've given up trying as they approach old age. Extinction is imminent once again for the mastodon.
  2. kmich
    Jul 10, 2014
    4
    When you want to sell more albums, and get a bigger fan base, you need to water down your music. You need to get closer to the middle of the bell curve because that's where more money is. This is what Mastodon did: They made an album that is safe. And now they sound like every stock, hard rock / metal band.
  3. sexy_math
    Jun 25, 2014
    5
    Perhaps the least dynamic or interesting of any Mastodon album to date, this album suffers from mixing that denies dynamism as well as songs that lack defining and interesting moments akin to the intensity of their earlier releases. That being said, the band is tighter than ever and the album is perhaps the most cohesive overall package than in the past. However, the bands highly polishedPerhaps the least dynamic or interesting of any Mastodon album to date, this album suffers from mixing that denies dynamism as well as songs that lack defining and interesting moments akin to the intensity of their earlier releases. That being said, the band is tighter than ever and the album is perhaps the most cohesive overall package than in the past. However, the bands highly polished prog approach and increasingly hook-oriented pop focus may be a sign that Mastodon is no longer willing to experiment within their niche.

    This album may not be easy to swallow for early fans, but the band has been slowly moving out of the intense, metal-focused direction since Blood Mountain. The sound that Mastodon has developed seems more to pay homage to their earlier stylistic approach to songwriting, rather than expand upon it. I recommend listening to Once More Around the Sun and Remission in a single setting to illustrate the transition.

    Despite my negative view on this album and the bands current direction, I still recommend giving this album a listen to form your own opinion. It's a highly accessible album (a pro and a con) and has some entertaining moments, but is overall hurt by a lack of risk taking from a band that used to be excellent at keeping its listeners on their toes.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

52
#52 Most Discussed Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Classic Rock Magazine
    Dec 18, 2014
    60
    For their fans accustomed to the clattering joyride only Mastodon provide, this will suffice for now. [Summer 2014, p.92]
  2. The Wire
    Dec 2, 2014
    80
    The 11 songs here are energised, chest beating anthems that are positively soul elevating. [Oct 2014, p.61]
  3. Kerrang!
    Jul 22, 2014
    80
    It's the first time that Mastodon have followed up an album with its next logical step. [21 Jun 2014, p.48]
See all critic reviews »