Mastodon (band)
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Mastodon is a heavy metal or "mammoth metal" band from Atlanta, Georgia. They are usually classified as a heavy metal group, but there have been debates on what specific subgenre they belong to. The Encyclopaedia Metallum classifies them as progressive sludge metal, but this is not widely accepted. There have been comparisons between the group and the metalcore genre, and there is a clear hardcore influence on the band, unsurprisingly as several of its members previously played in hardcore bands. Mastodon's style includes heavy (and sometimes quite complex and technical) guitar riffs, complex, jazz-influenced drumming, odd time signatures, and long, melodic instrumental interludes inspired by the band's love of prog rock.
Biography
Mastodon formed in 2000 when Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, former members of both Lethargy and Today is the Day, moved to Atlanta and met Troy Sanders, formerly of Four Hour Fogger and Social Infestation, and Brent Hinds, formerly of Four Hour Fogger, at a High on Fire show that has been rumored to have taken place in Hinds' basement (which was later proven to be false). They recorded a demo in 2000 which is generally referred to as the "9 Song Demo." This CD-R was sold at shows, and the recordings actually had the bands first lead singer, Eric Saner on vocals. In early 2006, this recording was remastered and put out by Relapse Records, who gave it the more proper title "Call of the Mastodon". Eric Saner left the band for personal reasons after being in it just a couple of months, and after recording one more demo and recording a 7" picture disc on Reptilian Records, Mastodon landed a record deal with Relapse Records in 2001.Mastodon's first official release was 2001's Lifesblood; it was well received, but the band has since moved away from this release stylistically. Their first full-length album was 2002's Remission. Mastodon arguably struck gold with this album; in 2003, the group premiered the video for "March of the Fire Ants" on MTV2 and was invited to be a part of the Headbanger's Ball two-CD compilation.
Their album Leviathan was released in 2004 to critical acclaim; the band won Album of the Year awards from three magazines: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer. Leviathan is a concept album loosely based on Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick.
One of the tracks from Leviathan, Blood and Thunder, had become popular among racing game soundtracks. In 2005, it was included in the , Project Gotham Racing 3, Burnout Revenge, and Burnout Legends soundtracks. The track features Neil Fallon, of Clutch fame, on lead vocals during the last verse of the song. He is not featured in the music video. Mastodon opened for Clutch during several tours in the band's early career.
On November 3, 2005, two forthcoming releases were announced: The Call of the Mastodon, a CD collection of early demos, on an unspecified date, as well as The Workhorse Chronicles, a DVD of interviews and concert footage, including material from the band's early days as a five-piece, on February 21, 2006. These are the last expected releases through their deal with Relapse.
Mastodon have now signed to Warner Music. Their third studio album is expected to reach stores on September 12, 2006. Titled Blood Mountain, the album has been described by drummer Brann Dailor as "one big piece of music, where the end of one song links up with the beginning of the next one." The band have recently updated their website to tie in with the new album and artwork and are previewing songs from the album every month until its release.
Discography
- Untitled Demo (2000)
- Slick Leg
- Lifesblood (EP, 2001)
- March of the Fire Ants
- Remission (2002)
- Emerald
- Blood and Thunder
- Leviathan (2004) #139 US
- Call of the Mastodon (2006)
- Blood Mountain (2006)
Line-up
- Brann Dailor - drums
- Brent Hinds - guitar, vocals
- Bill Kelliher - guitar
- Troy Sanders - bass guitar, vocals
Former Members
- Eric Saner - lead vocals (a few months during 2000)
External links
- [Official band website]
- [Relapse Records]
- [Live Video of Mastodon via UVTV]
- [Mastodon Australia fan site]
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