Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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John Elefante's name came to prominence in 1981 when he became the new lead singer and keyboardist for Kansas. John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three multi - Platinum albums with band, giving also a major songwriting contribution.

In 1984, together with his brother Dino, he started to become involved for the first time in producing the Christian act Sweet Comfort Band. Soon the couple became one of the most renowned producers in the genre, in particular their tenure with Petra brought multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine Reader's Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Hard Rock Cafe, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.

Elefante also felt the songwriting muse and formed a Metal band with his brother, Mastedon. The band's name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John's songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.

Mastedon's first release was titled "It's a Jungle Out There!" (1989). A year later, the band released "Lofcaudio". The albums charted at #25 and #10, respectively in the Billboard Top Contemporary Christian chart. To this day, they are still considered classics in the genre.

In 1996 John started a solo career that brought him to release three successful albums more in the Adult Contemporary - Pop Rock vein. After a few years of hiatus, John Elefante decided to go back to his roots sound with a brand new Mastedon album that - contrary to the predecessors - would only feature his amazing lead vocals. Musically, the new album, simply entitled "3" harkens back to the best of Mastedon and to his work with Kansas and none other than main Kansas songwriter Kerry Livgren appears on lead guitar on the release. More famed musicians and such as Dave Amato (REO Speedwagon), Anthony Sallee (Whiteheart), Dan Needham (Michael McDonald, Neville Brothers, Amy Grant, Garth Brooks etc) and of course John's brother Dino Elefante.

Rich melodic harmonies and melodies are the keys to a Mastedon record and "3" is clearly an instant winner in all its moments and will remain as an hallmark in John Elefante's career for many years to come.

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Digitally remastered and expanded edition of this 1989 album from the AOR/Melodic Hard Rockers including three bonus tracks. It's A Jungle Out There was the first full-length album released by Mastedon, the studio project formed by former Kansas singer and keyboardist John Elefante, together with his brother Dino and a host of superb musicians including REO Speedwagon's Dave Amato, Alan Parsons and Ambrosia's David Pack, Long out-of-print, this remastered reissue adds three bonus tracks: 'Wasn't It Love' (originally released on the compilation California Metal Vol.1 in 1987) and live versions of 'Islands In The Sky' and 'Right Hand', recorded in 1991 during one of their rare live performances.

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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When metal and hard rock swept the nation in the early 80s to the mid 90s, it even caused a stir in the contemporary Christian music scene. The old school bands like Petra and Whiteheart ratcheted things up a little heavier, but what was wonderful was seeing truly unique bands like Mastedon, Whitecross, Bloodgood, Barren Cross, and, of course, Stryper erupt out of nowhere onto the metal scene. That being said, "Lofcaudio" is Mastedon's second cd, originally released in 1990. This is more AOR than heavy metal, though every song is, from a songwriting standpoint, rock solid. The album opens with a fast rocker called "Holiest One;" what always amazes me about this song is how the keyboards don't weaken the song; it retains its rock edge. "Life on the Line" gives John Elefante a chance to shine on a melodic rock tune that highlights his range from Matthew Sweet-contending high notes to the grittier voice he shows on other songs. By far the best and harder tunes on here are "Run to the Water" and "Taken Down Below," two metal tunes that can hold up with any band, Christian or not. I was darn impressed with both these songs, so much so that I never forgot them and pined away for this cd for fifteen years later and mostly just for these two songs. I could talk about all the songs, but they're all good rocking songs - with one exception (in my opinion, for what's it's worth) - that show that the name "Christian" can also be synonymous with rock. I wasn't impressed with the instrumental tune "Stampede" which highlights mostly keyboards, but this was John and Dino Elefante's forte. (It's not lost on any one that puns on Elefante were the impetus behind choosing the name Mastedon as well as operating under the moniker of Pakaderm Records . . . hardy har har : - ) . . .) Anyway, if you like 80s rock (think Asia blended with Triumph), you'll like this. Bear in mind that these guys are unapologetically but not beat-you-in-the-head-with-a-Bible Christian. You get thoughtful insights into the Christian life like the line from "Living For You" that's a believer's paradox: "I must be weak so I can be strong; I'm living for you." On a grading scale, Mastedon's "Lofcaudio" rates an "A" in my gradebook. With current prices ranging from $60 - $150, though, I'd opt for the $6.98 download since you're probably not going to get lucky like I did and find this at a store named for good will for $2.99. That was a miracle to me, and much appreciated. At the risk of sounding melodramatic, than God for Mastedon. ~ Review By SillyMoose

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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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.

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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Mastedon - Discography (1989-2009) [3 Albums]

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