Its hard to think of an album with a bigger, better arc than Leviathan. From the stormy opening riff of Blood and Thunder to Hearts Alives 13-and-a-half-minute prog climax that dissolves into prickly folk closer Joseph Merrick, Mastodons 2004 Moby Dick-inspired opus made them as formidable a force as its sea beast source. The Atlanta quartets first concept album of many to come, Leviathan remains a fan favorite, and this gorgeoussplatter vinyl edition is the only proper way to take in its majesty. Eli Enis