Crucial Track for July 10, 2025

"The Czar: I. Usurper, II. Escape, III. Martyr, IV. Spiral" by Mastodon

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Crack the Skye was—I think—the last great Mastodon record, and my favorite in their catalog. Their subsequent work has been fine, but for me, this album was where they really nailed it.

This track is the perfect example. It’s epic and crushing. The transition at ~3:40 mark really nails it.