Crest of the Hill

Crest of the Hill, released in September 2015, represents the 172nd installment of Buckethead's prolific Pike Series. While the artist is frequently celebrated for his avant-garde metal and high-speed technicality, this EP belongs to his 'mellow' canon, a subset of releases that prioritize atmosphere and melodic storytelling. The album is structured as four long-form tracks, with the first three exceeding eight minutes, allowing for a gradual, hypnotic development of themes. Sonically, it is characterized by clean electric guitar tones, minimal effects, and a steady, mid-tempo rhythm section. The title and track names suggest a narrative centered on nature and horses, a recurring motif in the artist's more pastoral works. Critically, it is regarded by the fanbase as a standout of the 2015 Pikes for its cohesive mood and emotional resonance, contrasting sharply with the experimental noise and heavy metal releases that surrounded it in the release schedule.