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Band Timeline

2000

Formation of Mastodon

Mastodon was formed on January 13, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, when drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher, who had relocated from New York, met bassist Troy Sanders and guitarist Brent Hinds at a High on Fire concert. The band members shared a mutual appreciation of sludge metal bands like Melvins and Neurosis, classic heavy metal such as Iron Maiden, and 1970s hard rock acts like Thin Lizzy. Early on, they began creating music together, quickly discovering a unique blend that would define their sound.
2000-2001

Early Music and Lineup Stabilization

In June 2000, Mastodon recorded a nine-song demo featuring Eric Saner on vocals, which was sold at their initial shows. However, Saner left the band within months for personal reasons, prompting the group to re-record songs from the demo with vocals by Hinds and Sanders. In 2001, they released a 7" picture disc with three re-recorded tracks on Reptilian Records and secured a contract with Relapse Records. Shortly after, they released the Lifesblood EP, featuring five re-recorded tracks from their demo, establishing their entry into the metal scene.
2002

Release of Debut Album Remission

Mastodon released their first studio album, Remission, on May 28, 2002. The album was met with critical acclaim for its unique sound, blending sludge and progressive metal influences. It featured notable songs like "Crusher/Destroyer," which was included on the Tony Hawk's Underground soundtrack, and their first single, "March of the Fire Ants." The band also produced a music video for "March of the Fire Ants." In October 2003, a deluxe edition of Remission was released, including a Thin Lizzy cover "Emerald" and a bonus DVD featuring a professionally filmed live set in Atlanta.
2004

Release of Leviathan and Rising Acclaim

Mastodon released their second full-length album, Leviathan, in 2004. This album stood out as a concept piece loosely based on Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick. Leviathan received wide critical praise and was named Album of the Year by three magazines: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer. This release solidified Mastodon's reputation in the heavy metal community for originality and complexity, marking a major step forward in their career with thematic depth and technical musicianship.
2006

Release of Blood Mountain and Grammy Nomination

In 2006, Mastodon released their third album, Blood Mountain, which featured the song "Colony of Birchmen." This track earned the band their first Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance in 2007. Blood Mountain continued to showcase Mastodon's evolving progressive metal style and complex compositions, further increasing their visibility and acclaim within the metal genre.
2009-2011

Crack the Skye and The Hunter Albums and Commercial Success

Mastodon released Crack the Skye in 2009, followed by The Hunter in 2011. The Hunter debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking significant commercial success for the band in the United States. The album featured the song "Curl of the Burl," which was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2012. These albums continued to expand Mastodon's musical reach, blending progressive elements with a more accessible sound.
2014

Once More 'Round the Sun Album and Billboard Chart Success

In 2014, Mastodon released Once More 'Round the Sun, which peaked at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included their third Grammy-nominated song, "High Road." This release was noted for its broad appeal and continued the band's trajectory of combining heavy, progressive music with more melodic and catchy songwriting, maintaining their strong presence in the metal and rock scenes.
2017

Emperor of Sand Album and Grammy Award Win

Mastodon's seventh album, Emperor of Sand, was released in 2017 to critical and commercial success. It featured "Show Yourself," the band's most commercially successful track, which peaked at number 4 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart. The album's opening track, "Sultan's Curse," earned Mastodon their first Grammy Award. Emperor of Sand was also nominated for Best Rock Album, marking a landmark achievement in the band's career and solidifying their status as influential figures in modern metal.
2021

Release of Hushed and Grim

In 2021, Mastodon released their eighth studio album, Hushed and Grim. This album continued the band's legacy of progressive metal innovation and thematic exploration. It was their latest major work that showcased their continued evolution as a band and their ability to remain relevant and creative in the heavy metal genre over two decades after their formation.
2025

Departure of Brent Hinds

In March 2025, Brent Hinds, the band's lead guitarist and one of the vocalists, departed Mastodon after 24 years with the group. His departure marked the first lineup change in the band's history, which until then had remained consistent since its formation in 2000. This event was significant as it represented a major shift in the band's dynamics and future direction.

Albums

mastodon_1st_album
Remission
11 tracks
2002
mastodon_2nd_album
Leviathan
10 tracks
2004
mastodon_3rd_album
Blood Mountain
12 tracks
2006
mastodon_4th_album
Crack the Skye
8 tracks
2009
mastodon_5th_album
The Hunter
15 tracks
2011
mastodon_6th_album
Once More ’Round the Sun
11 tracks
2014
mastodon_7th_album
Emperor of Sand
11 tracks
2017
mastodon_8th_album
Hushed and Grim
8 tracks
2021
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Brann Dailor

1999

Lead vocals

Membranophone

Troy Sanders

1999

Bass guitar

Lead vocals

Bill Kelliher

1999

Guitar

Brent Hinds

1999

Guitar

Lead vocals

Story of Mastodon

Mastodon: The Atlanta Heavy Metal Titans

Hailing from the vibrant music scene of Atlanta, Georgia, Mastodon burst onto the heavy metal scene in 2000. This four-piece powerhouse, featuring Troy Sanders on bass and vocals, Brent Hinds on lead guitar and vocals, Bill Kelliher on rhythm guitar and backing vocals, and Brann Dailor on drums and vocals, has remained an unbreakable force since their formation.

Mastodon's unique blend of progressive, psychedelic, and heavy sounds has captivated audiences worldwide, culminating in an impressive eight studio albums and numerous other releases. Their debut, Remission, released in 2002, quickly gained critical acclaim for its groundbreaking sound.

Their second album, Leviathan, a concept album inspired by Herman Melville's Moby Dick, further cemented their position in the heavy metal pantheon. In 2004, the album was crowned "Album of the Year" by three prominent magazines: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer, a testament to its creative brilliance.

Their third album, Blood Mountain, released in 2006, contained the Grammy-nominated track "Colony of Birchmen," a nod to the band's growing influence. The album was followed by the critically acclaimed Crack the Skye in 2009 and The Hunter in 2011. The Hunter achieved remarkable commercial success, debuting at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Mastodon's status as a major force in the US music market.

Mastodon's unwavering commitment to innovation and powerful sound has earned them a dedicated fanbase and cemented their place as one of the most influential heavy metal bands of their generation. Their journey continues to inspire and captivate, solidifying their legacy as true giants of the genre.

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