album, saying "no metal release of 2009 is likely to be as important as Crack the Skye." The review praised the album's expansive sound and emotion, and finished by claiming that the album is "surely destined to become the stuff of legend". Reviewer Nate Chinen of The New York Times noted the album's "ambitious vision and vivid execution". The New Yorker pop music critic Sasha Frere-Jones lists it as one of his favorite albums of the year on his personal blog and, in an article for The New Yorker, called Crack the Skye a "deeply entertaining album". Accolades Crack the Skye was named amongst the most well received albums of 2009 by numerous music publications. Classic Rock magazine placed it a No. 3 of its Top Albums of 2009, while Kerrang! place it at No. 4 in its Top Albums of 2009. Time magazine placed "Crack the Skye" at No. 3 on its Top 10 Albums of 2009 list, and Rock Sound named it their Album of the Year for 2009. In addition, Spin magazine listed it as the 17th best album of the year. Rhapsody called it the 7th best album of 2009. The album was also voted the No. 1 Album of 2009 by Metal Hammer critics and contributors. In 2014, TeamRock put Crack the Skye at No. 57 on their Top 100 Greatest Prog Albums of All Time list, commenting: "Mastodon's 2009 album has the blood and thunder from previous releases, but takes everything to a new musical level. A restive and sophisticated piece of work from the prog heavyweights". The album was honored with a 2009 Metal Storm Award for Best Alternative Metal Album. Track listing CD/DVD The Making of Crack the Skye – exclusive behind-the-scenes documentary Track-by-track commentary – video commentary of the album by the band Photo gallery – slide of various images from the band Personnel Mastodon Brann Dailor – drums, percussion, backing vocals, co-lead vocals on "Oblivion" and "Crack the Skye" Brent Hinds – lead guitar, banjo, co-lead vocals except on "Karelia" and "Crack the Skye" Bill Kelliher – rhythm guitar Troy Sanders – bass, bass synth, co-lead vocals, lead vocals on "Karelia" Other Rich Morris – keyboards, synth and mellotron Scott Kelly – lead vocals on "Crack the Skye" Brendan O'Brien – production, mixing, backing vocals Charts Certifications References External links Mastodon (band) albums 2009 albums Reprise Records albums Rock operas