What makes Oblivion EP by Mastodon notable?

This release showcases Mastodon's ability to capture the intensity of their live shows, particularly with the popular track Oblivion, which received significant radio play and helped solidify their presence in the metal genre. The EP's unique combination of studio and live tracks illustrates their appeal across different listening formats, further expanding their fanbase. The Oblivion EP comes after Mastodon's critically acclaimed album, Crack the Skye (2009), which marked their commercial peak and artistic evolution. This EP serves as a bridge between the band's complex soundscapes while offering live renditions that highlight their energetic performance style.

How many songs are on Oblivion EP?

Oblivion EP has 4 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

Oblivion EP

Mastodon · 2009

18 min · 4 tracks · heavy metal

Heavy, intricate riffs intertwine with dynamic rhythms, underpinned by a blend of melodic and aggressive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Oblivion — This track exemplifies Mastodon's signature sound with its haunting melodies and complex guitar work, making it a standout in their discography.
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Divinations (Live at XFM) — The live rendition captures the raw energy of Mastodon’s performance, showcasing their musicianship and audience engagement.
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Colony of Birchmen (Live at XFM) — This live version highlights the band’s ability to translate studio precision into dynamic stage presence, appealing to long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP captures Mastodon's intricate sound while blending studio and live recordings effectively.

What we noticed

The first track, 'Oblivion', features complex guitar riffs layered with aggressive and melodic vocal lines, establishing a dynamic contrast.
The running time is relatively short at just over 20 minutes, with each track contributing to a cohesive heavy metal sound.

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: 5/10

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: Deep Cut — A solid entry in the catalog that showcases live intensity but isn't a primary highlight.
Themes: haunted landscapes· live performance energy· mythical storytelling
Career context: The Oblivion EP comes after Mastodon's critically acclaimed album, Crack the Skye (2009), which marked their commercial peak and artistic evolution. This EP serves as a bridge between the band's complex soundscapes while offering live renditions that highlight their energetic performance style.
Stylistic neighbors: Baroness· Opeth· Gojira