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Vocalist John Elefante began his musical career in 1981 when he replaced Steve Walsh in the classic rock group Kansas. He spent the next four years on tour – a period in which the albums 'Vinyl Confessions' (1982) and 'Drastic Measures' (1983) were recorded - only to part ways with Kansas following the departure of its other Christian members, Kerry Livgren (guitars/keyboards) and Dave Hope (bass). The artist proceeded to put together a seven song demo, but when unable to secure a solo deal, joined forces with his brother Dino and helped produced the 'California Metal' compilation for Regency Records. The two ended up one track short and, as a result, added a song originally written for Kansas entitled "Wasn’t It Love" under the Mastedon moniker. When Regency later requested a full length album, the seven songs from the demo formed the foundation of Mastedon’s 1989 full length debut, 'It’s A Jungle Out There'.
Mastedon first appeared on the infamous 'California Metal' compilation, released on Regency Records in 1987. Their debut album, however, wasn't out until 2 years later. I heard the title track from this album, named 'It's A Jungle Out There!', on the 'Metal Mission' sampler, thus finding out about Mastedon the good old fashioned way.
I loved this ruff and rocking hard rock tune so much, I soon bought the full LP. I quickly learned that the rest of the album, while not far removed from its title track, was still a bit different, mostly due to the different vocalists appearing on the various tracks. I really love Dave Robbins' (X-Sinner) gritty vibe. So although Dave Amato (Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon), Perry Lee (Tracer Fox) and John Elefante himself all deliver solid work, they are still of another variety.
The music is time typical melodic hard rock, with a distinct '70's flare. The 2 opening tracks remind me a bit of the "softer" bands from the LA, Sunset Strip scene. The rest of them though, are much more melodic. Each track is very well done, but as a whole the album feels a bit too "safe". It just paddles along the same Def Leppard, Petra, Whiteheart, Kansas etc. line of melodic hard rock, and doesn't add anything to the genre at all. Sure, this is well produced, and there are no duds here at all. But the album just gets a tad boring. 'It's A Jungle Out There' is proof that having a star line-up doesn't always equal a successful album. Don't get me wrong though, it isn't a bad album, and there are some really good songs here. They just never top the opening title track.
In 2009 Frontiers Records reissued this album, and added 3 bonus tracks. "Wasn't It Love" is from the 'California Metal' compilation. The last 2 tracks were recorded during Mastedon's only live appearance, ever, the Cornerstone festival in 1991.
Killer tracks: It's A Jungle Out There, Glory Bound, This Is The Day, Island In The Sky, Right Hand
'Lofcaudio' was the second, and initially the last, album from Mastedon. It was released only a year after the debut, but this time on the Elefante brothers own record company, Pakaderm Records.
The all-star cast this time sees the return of Dave Amato, alongside John Elefante on vocals. 2 new singers also appears in Tom Bowes (Tower Of Power) and James Dean Longacre (Life9). Most notable perhaps is the addition on Tony Palacios (Guardian) on guitar. He gives the music a slight metallic edge. But for the most part Mastedon continues with their patented brand of melodic hard rock. As was the case with the debut, the production on this album is pristine, albeit a tad too polished perhaps? The Elefante brothers were sort of famous for sanding down the edges on many of the band they produced. Again, not all the tracks on 'Lofcaudio' are as exciting as the best ones. But a track like "Holiest One", for example, delivers extremely catchy melodic hard rock.
Since this album has yet to see a reissue, it is very hard to get a hold of. I was very glad when I upgraded my old cassette version to CD.
Killer tracks: Holiest One, When It All Comes Down, Taken Down Below, Thief In The Night
Raise your hands everyone who thought we'd get a new Mastedon album again! Thanks to the Italian label, Frontiers Records, and their love for melodic metal and hard rock, we know have the aptly entitled '3' out. The label also reissued the band's debut album, 'It's A Jungle Out There'.
Almost 20 years have passed since 'Lofcaudio', the last album by Mastedon. Still, '3' takes off exactly where 'Lofcaudio' stopped. This is high class melodic hard rock, with that unmistakable American flare. To me that means strong hooks, harmony vocals, big production and a layer of keyboards. Sure, this is vocal driven hard rock, but the edgy guitars are also important. On Mastedon's 2 previous albums, the lead vocal job was shared by several singers. This time John Elefante is doin' it himself . And to be honest, I cannot believe he didn't do this earlier. The man has a perfect voice for this kind of music; melodic, smooth, yet powerful. The guitar work is split between Dave Amato, who also played on the earlier albums, and the legend, and former Kansas band mate, Kerry Livgren. So you know this is taken good care of. Musically this is just what you'd expect from John and company, a perfect blend of older Mastedon, Kansas and John's solo work.
'3' is very well produced, as could be expected from a product with the Elefante brothers at the helm. And even though it has an upgrade in sound, it is absolutely void of any modern influences. The music seeks to satisfy those of us who love the hard rock and melodic metal from the late '70's through the '80's. Mission accomplished! I also love the strong spiritual aspect of this CD. A song like "One Day Down By The River (See You Real Soon) is an awesome worship tune. I wonder if the label has any agenda against it though, since they didn't print all the lyrics in the booklet? Oh well, I can still appreciate what John is singing! This album is so good, I had to re-evaluate the earlier albums from Mastedon. I also think I have to put it on my list of favorites from 2009.
'3' was released through Frontiers Records for the European market only. John Elefante also released it as a solo effort for the American market. The solo album version is called 'Revolution Of Mind', and can be ordered through John's website. The European version has a cover version of the Kansas classic, "Dust In The Wind" as a bonus track. I wonder of this is the same version John released as a single in 2006?
Killer tracks: Revoution Of Mind, Slay Your Demons, Nowhere Without Your Love, One Day Down By The Lake (See You Real Soon), Questions (It's About Time), Lying
(Melodic Hard Rock AOR) Mastedon (John Elefante, ex-Kansas) 1989-2009
Жанр: Melodic Hard Rock/AOR
Страна: U.S.A
Аудиокодек: FLAC (*.flac)
Тип рипа: image+.cue
Битрейт аудио: lossless
Продолжительность: 1 час 41 минута
1989 – It's Jungle Out There (Remasered 2009, Frontiers (Italy), FR CD 433)
1990 – Lofcaudio (Pakaderm (U.S.A), 7012503262)
2009 – Mastedon 3 with John Elefante (Frontiers (Italy), FR CD 432)
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