Mastodon

Formed in Atlanta, Georgia, Mastodon brought together Brann Dailor, Bill Kelliher, Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds in the early 2000s around a heavy metal sound shaped by sludge, hardcore and a pronounced taste for progressive structures. The band drew notice with the Lifesblood EP (2001) and their debut album Remission (2002), with a dense, abrasive production, before expanding their songwriting on Leviathan (2004) — inspired by Moby-Dick — where Mastodon developed more narrative forms and a subtler handling of harsh and melodic vocals. Blood Mountain (2006) and Crack the Skye (2009) confirmed this progressive direction with complex structures, meticulous rhythmic work and conceptual themes blending fantastical imagery and historical references. From The Hunter (2011) and Once More ’Round the Sun (2014) onward, Mastodon incorporated more rock and alternative elements, with more direct choruses while retaining tempo changes and multi-layered guitars. Emperor of Sand (2017) and Hushed and Grim (2021) further explored a register in which heaviness, vocal melodies shared by Sanders, Hinds and Dailor, and more contemplative atmospheres coexist. Regularly present on international tours and major metal stages, Mastodon also maintains a lasting connection with the North American heavy and post-metal scene, notably through recurring collaborations with Scott Kelly of Neurosis and forays into film music, such as for the fantasy western Jonah Hex.