Band Line Up 2025
Mastodon is an influential American heavy metal band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 1999. The founding members, drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher, originally came from Rochester, New York, and met bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders and guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds shortly after relocating to Atlanta. Together, they created one of the most innovative and genre-defying bands in the metal scene today. The band’s sound blends elements of sludge metal, progressive metal, and heavy metal, marked by complex time signatures, dynamic guitar work, and powerful vocals.
Mastodon’s breakthrough came with their debut album Remission in 2002, which was praised for its raw energy and intensity. Their 2004 follow-up, Leviathan, a concept album inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, was a critical success and catapulted them into the metal spotlight. The band continued to evolve with albums like Blood Mountain (2006) and Crack the Skye (2009), which explored more progressive, psychedelic sounds.
Over the years, Mastodon has built a reputation for conceptual albums, often focusing on themes of mythology, nature, and personal tragedy. Emperor of Sand (2017), for example, deals with themes of illness and mortality, a reflection on personal losses within the band members' lives. Their music combines emotionally charged lyrics with heavy, intricate instrumentals, earning them numerous accolades, including Grammy Awards for Best Metal Performance.
In addition to their studio albums, Mastodon is known for their intense live performances. They’ve toured extensively, sharing stages with the likes of Slayer, Metallica, and Iron Maiden, and performing at some of the biggest festivals in the world.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mastodon is set to perform as a special guest at Bloodstock Open Air, one of the UK’s premier heavy metal festivals, in August 2025. This performance is highly anticipated by fans, as Bloodstock is known for showcasing top-tier metal acts, and Mastodon’s participation is expected to be one of the festival’s standout performances.
