Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, formed in the early 2000s, and recognized as one of the most influential modern metal acts. The original lineup consisted of Troy Sanders (bass/vocals), Brann Dailor (drums/vocals), Bill Kelliher (guitar/backing vocals), and Brent Hinds (lead guitar/vocals). In March 2025, Brent Hinds departed the band after 25 years, significantly altering the group’s dynamics.
Their music blends sludge metal, progressive metal, stoner, and alternative metal into a genre-defining sound across albums like Remission (2002), Leviathan (2004), Blood Mountain (2006), Crack the Skye (2009), and Emperor of Sand (2017). Remission was heralded for its technical mastery and aggressive yet melodic approach to heavy music.
Mastodon escalated their ambition with concept-driven works: Leviathan drew on the novel Moby-Dick, while Crack the Skye and Blood Mountain combined epic storytelling with complex time signatures and layered instrumentation. Emperor of Sand earned them their first Grammy Award for the track “Sultan’s Curse.” Once More ’Round the Sun (2014) and The Hunter (2011) marked a shift toward more accessible but emotionally deliberate songwriting.
Their most recent album, Hushed and Grim (2021), is a sprawling double album and serves as a tribute to their late manager. It represents a dramatic and somewhat somber chapter in their discography and the last album featuring Hinds.
Known for pushing artistic boundaries, Mastodon continues to explore complex concepts, multi-vocal harmonies, and intricate arrangements. Their live shows are theatrical, intense, and immersive. The band remains active, and their 2025 tour schedule continues despite lineup changes.
