Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante recently shared his thoughts on Mastodon’s music, highlighting a particular track that resonates with him on a personal level. Revolver covered his remarks in detail.
When discussing his favorite Mastodon song from the album “Crack the Skye,” Benante pointed to “Quintessence” as the standout track. He praised both the musicianship and vocal performance on the song, noting its creative guitar work and unconventional time signatures.
“When I first heard Crack the Skye, ‘Quintessence’ is the one that jumped out at me and I was like, ‘Now that’s a good song!’ I love the way Brent sings on it, it just fits the song so well, and the guitar playing is very creative,” Benante said. “It has a weird time signature in spots, too, which is always intriguing to me: What’s that? Where’s the one? And those guys are known for doing different types of time signatures.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Benante emphasized the song’s deeper meaning. He explained that the lyrics convey a message about personal growth through letting go of control.
“The other thing about this song is the lyrics — about letting go and just relinquishing control. There comes a time when something is happening in your life, and when you let it go, you gain from that, you become a better person. And the next time something happens, you already know just to let it go, just relinquish that kind of power,” he continued. “So that’s my take on the song ‘Quintessence.'”
Benante’s appreciation for “Quintessence” reflects his broader connection to progressive metal and complex musical arrangements. Loudwire noted that Benante has long been known for his experimental approach to drumming and songwriting. He often incorporates intricate rhythmic patterns into Anthrax’s compositions. This shared sensibility with Mastodon’s approach to progressive metal demonstrates why the track resonates so deeply with him.
“Crack the Skye” was released in 2009 and stands as one of Mastodon’s most critically acclaimed works. The album blends progressive metal with conceptual storytelling inspired by astral travel and historical figures. It established itself as a landmark release in the band’s discography. Benante’s recognition of the album’s artistic merit aligns with the widespread critical acclaim it received upon release and continues to receive from metal enthusiasts and musicians alike.
The connection between Benante and Mastodon extends beyond mere admiration. Both artists have pushed the boundaries of metal music by embracing complex time signatures, layered instrumentation, and thematic depth. Benante’s focus on the philosophical message within “Quintessence” — about relinquishing control and personal growth — highlights how progressive metal can transcend technical virtuosity. It delivers meaningful life lessons through music.
