In this edition of the Underground Sound, I want to discuss the band Mastodon. Now, I normally reserve this space for discussing lesser-known underground bands, but a tragic event has occurred. On August 20th, a very recent ex-member of the band named Brent Hinds, was killed in an automobile accident while he was travelling on his motorcycle. I want to use this month’s space to discuss Hind’s work in Mastodon and how it was influential to me as a listener.
For those who are unfamiliar with the band, I will start by discussing their background. Mastodon is an American heavy metal band formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. The founding lineup consists of Troy Sanders (bass, vocals), Brent Hinds (guitar, vocals), Bill Kelliher (guitar), and Brann Dailor (drums, vocals). Mastodon quickly became known for blending progressive metal, sludge, stoner rock, and hardcore punk influences. Their music often incorporates complex time signatures, dynamic song structures, and lyrical themes that draw from mythology, literature, and fantasy. They’re frequently cited as part of the “New Wave of American Heavy Metal” but stand out for their progressive leanings and conceptual albums.
I found Mastodon when I was in high school. Specifically, I was exploring music videos on the television with my high school friends. The first song I ever heard was March of the Fire Ants from their debut album, Remission. It was one of my first experiences of what one might call “extreme metal” – and I was hooked.
Listen to/Watch March of the Fire Ants here: https://youtu.be/uShqlufsq5w?feature=shared
I have always enjoyed the progressive style that Brent Hinds added to the Mastodon sound. One great example of this can be found in the song titled Seabeast, featured on their second album, Leviathan. When you match this sound with the style of the music video, it is absolutely perfect.
Listen to/Watch Seabeast here: https://youtu.be/IiTzJQE67FA?feature=shared
One last individual song that I want to mention before discussing albums as a whole is the track Circle of Cysquatch on their 2006 album Blood Mountain. This song has always been one of my go-to’s when recommending this band to new listeners. The vocal work that Hinds does in this song specifically is especially brutal, matching the chaotic nature of his guitar work. I am going to share this video of Mastodon playing this song live at the Download Festival in 2007. Hinds was dealing with a throat infection, but due to his tenacity as a musician, still played the show and still screamed his vocal parts. Because of the infection, his vocals sound absolutely terrifying in the best of ways.
Watch Circle of Cysquatch here: https://youtu.be/Sh5_RCYvoLA?feature=shared
Lastly, I want to give the reader a quick run-through of Mastodon’s albums. It is sometimes hard to know where to start when it comes to listening to a band with a larger discography. All of these albums also feature Hind’s work before he passed away tragically. Remission (2002) is their debut, showcasing a heavy sludge and hardcore sound. Leviathan (2004) is a breakthrough concept album inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick. It received widespread acclaim and cemented Mastodon as leaders in modern metal. Blood Mountain (2006) continued their ascent, with a more progressive and experimental edge, landing them a Grammy nomination. Crack the Skye (2009) is a deeply personal, psychedelic-leaning concept album dealing with astral travel, Russian history, and personal loss. It is often hailed as one of their masterpieces. The Hunter (2011) and Once More ‘Round the Sun (2014) are more accessible and melodic, which helped them reach a broader audience. Emperor of Sand (2017) is a grammy-winning album inspired by themes of cancer and mortality. The track “Sultan’s Curse” won the band their first Grammy for Best Metal Performance. Lastly, Hushed and Grim (2021) is their first double album, expansive in scope, written partly as a tribute to their late manager, Nick John.
All in all, this article has two purposes. First, I want to say thank you to Brent Hinds and memorialize him in The Southwestern. He was a great musician and will be missed by the metal community, his friends, and his family. Secondly, I want to introduce his work to readers of The Southwestern. Mastodon has brought me a lot of joy over the years, and their music may do the same for you.
