Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ - 02.10.07

We really weren't in the mood for the usual stack of bearded metal slobs pouring all over each other in the usually crammed Starland. Instead, we had to keep our girlfriend from catching us sneaking glances at the hot metal tail running around the venue all night.

Yes, metal is more than a male sport these days, and this Mastodon show was a rally of proof that niche appeal has been busted. The show was all ages and fans from 40 to 14 came out to see the band touted as the next Metallica.

Their sound is a mix of Thrash, Industrial and Dirtbag rock. Their show is loud, sometimes silly and always melodic. The combination of sweat, spit and synchronized guitar solos made metal feel exciting again.

It may sound cliché, but we think everyone in the crowd felt like they were watching a huge wave that is about to break.

Watch Mastodon Makes An Album - "Blood Mountain"