What makes Cold Dark Place by Mastodon notable?

Cold Dark Place received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, highlighting its emotional depth and musical complexity. The EP's exploration of personal struggles resonated with many listeners, further solidifying Mastodon's reputation within the heavy metal community, and it charted well on several genre-specific rankings. Released in 2017, Cold Dark Place is Mastodon's first EP following their critically acclaimed album Emperor of Sand. At this point, the band had solidified their unique sound while experimenting with darker lyrical themes, showcasing a more personal approach to songwriting after years of touring and recording.

How many songs are on Cold Dark Place?

Cold Dark Place has 4 tracks, running approximately 21 minutes.

Cold Dark Place

Mastodon · 2017

21 min · 4 tracks · heavy metal

A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and heavy riffs, exploring themes of despair and introspection through intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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North Side Star — This track opens the EP with a rich tapestry of guitar work that sets a contemplative mood, capturing the essence of longing present throughout the album.
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Cold Dark Place — The title track encapsulates the EP’s thematic core, with its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics that delve into solitude and introspection.
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Toe to Toes — With its intricate instrumentation and dynamic shifts, this song showcases Mastodon's ability to balance heavy elements with melodic sensibilities, representing their progressive metal roots.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The EP showcases strong songwriting with emotional depth and cohesive arrangements, making it a notable entry in Mastodon's discography.

What we noticed

The EP features a consistent use of layered guitar harmonies that create a dense, atmospheric sound throughout.
Each track incorporates dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and softer, melodic passages, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
The final track, 'Cold Dark Place', extends over six minutes, allowing for an expansive exploration of its themes through instrumental sections.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Explores new themes and soundscapes, differing from earlier works in their catalog.
Career context: Released in 2017, Cold Dark Place is Mastodon's first EP following their critically acclaimed album Emperor of Sand. At this point, the band had solidified their unique sound while experimenting with darker lyrical themes, showcasing a more personal approach to songwriting after years of touring and recording.
Stylistic neighbors: Baroness· Opeth· Gojira