Mastodon | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen
Mastodon performing during the Ashes of Leviathan at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on July 20, 2024, with Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Troy Sanders. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Death is inevitable, and time is a precious, finite resource. Regret often arises from our inability to reconcile these truths. When a friend suddenly passes away, you’re left thinking about the times you could have expressed your appreciation but didn’t, assuming there would always be a next time. When a partnership collapses, you reflect on moments taken for granted and ways you could have been more present. A band might not foresee that touring will cease for two years and fails to give their all in what unknowingly becomes their last performance, or a fan might skip the encore for an extra half hour of sleep, not realizing it was their last chance.

For Mastodon, these concerns were all too real. The core lineup—Brann Dailor, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Troy Sanders—has remained intact for 21 years, an eternity in the metal world where even legendary bands often rotate members. Yet, they've faced enough individual and collective tragedies to threaten their strong bond. The death of their longtime friend and manager Nick John to pancreatic cancer and a global pandemic jeopardized their faith, families, and livelihoods. Despite their decades of success and brotherhood, Mastodon understood that it could all fall apart at any moment. This realization led to a commitment to a new beginning, and their album "Hushed And Grim" reflects this, taking no moment for granted.

"Hushed And Grim" is more than just Mastodon’s ninth album. At 88 minutes, their first double LP defies conventional assumptions about attention spans in the streaming era. With the scope of a studio film, the texture of a novel, and the breadth of a Greatest Hits album, "Hushed And Grim" pays tribute to Nick John by creating an eternal monument. “He’s always been an influence when he was alive,” Hinds reflects. “And he’s even more of an influence now.”

Double albums are often called “monumental” for a reason, and Mastodon understands the legacy this format suggests in heavy music. Dailor recalls his teenage years absorbing epic double albums like "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway," "Physical Graffiti," and "The Wall," milestone works from bands at their creative peaks. “It takes some balls to put out a double album these days or takes some ovaries,” Dailor quips. “I've been trying to say ovaries because I think it's more powerful.”

Mastodon changed the course of 21st-century metal with their 2004 classic "Leviathan," and each subsequent album continued to shape the genre. In 2018, Mastodon won their first GRAMMY®, with “Sultan’s Curse” earning Best Metal Performance. More impressively, their album "Emperor of Sand" was nominated for Best Rock Album, and its lead single “Show Yourself” hit the top five on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Without sacrificing their intensity and intelligence, Mastodon’s influence spread from Adult Swim to late-night network television, from the History Channel’s "Counting Cars" to HBO’s "Game of Thrones," from DC Comics "Dark Knight Metal" to "Bill and Ted Face the Music."

However, as Sanders points out, “the most solid representation of us is when we get in our cycle and craft a wholesome, dynamic and beautiful record from top to bottom. That's what we ultimately thrive on.” "Hushed And Grim" emphasizes that Mastodon has transcended any genre, driven by an unwillingness to compromise, resulting in their most expansive and accessible release yet. The album features no interludes, no filler, and none of the stereotypical bloat that often accompanies double albums. With the spirit of Nick John present throughout, “every song has a place in our hearts,” Kelliher stresses.

Throughout the album, Mastodon travels through time and space, drawing on their experiences and formative influences to open new creative portals. On “Pushing the Tides,” they explore the intersection of metal and post-hardcore, while “The Beast” combines Southern rock with a countrified contribution from guitarist Marcus King, creating an alternate history of the Allman Brothers sharing a bottle of Jack Daniels with Black Sabbath. “Had it All” features a guitar solo from Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil and some classical French horn by Jody Sanders, reimagining Mastodon as a band intermingling with the monsters of Headbanger’s Ball. Legendary producer David Bottrill oversees the album, adding "Hushed And Grim" to his portfolio alongside progressive pop landmarks from Peter Gabriel, Tool, and King Crimson.

Despite their technical mastery and ambitious musicianship, the most daring aspect of "Hushed And Grim" comes from the voices of Mastodon themselves. The members have made tremendous growth as vocal performers, with the explosive shouts of “The Crux” and the aching refrain of “Skeleton of Splendor” showcasing an expressive grit that can only be achieved through years of endurance and pain.

As Mastodon’s music expands outward, each member has traveled inward to unearth their most emotionally transparent lyrics yet. “One thing I've noticed about longevity is that you eliminate layers of bullshit and become more honest,” Sanders muses. In the past, Mastodon albums were known for their metaphorical heft, but "Hushed And Grim" brings their authentic emotions to the forefront. Themes of heartbreak, joy, and hope that have always underpinned the band’s work are now central.

Mastodon remains true to their roots—the metal is still here, with Kelliher and Hinds’ massive riffs, Sanders’ powerful bass, and Dailor’s intricate drumming. Yet, the album also showcases their evolution, with "Had It All" originating from Sanders’ simple acoustic strum and “The Beast” introducing a slow Southern shuffle to their repertoire. "Hushed And Grim" dares listeners to see Mastodon as they’ve always been—four friends from Atlanta facing the same struggles as anyone else. With lyrics like “I’ve turned the grief to medicine,” “I feel the pressure,” “death comes and brings with him sickle and peace,” and “leaving you behind is the hardest thing I’ve done,” the band shares their raw emotions with their audience. “My love, so strong/The mountains we made in the distance/Those will stay with us,” they sing on the closing track “Gigantium,” addressing themselves, their loyal fans, and the new ones to come. While Mastodon may one day be no more, "Hushed And Grim" will remain, a testament to their enduring legacy.
Fan reviews:

Mastadon is always and extraordinary experience. This is the 3rd time I have seen Mastadon in concert. They are a remarkable experience and superb musicians and performers. They have enough songs in their catalog so every setlist I have witnessed was uniquely different. They have an immersive stage with psychedelic videos, visions, lasers, and pyrotechnics. I was blown away, and Gojira was just as amazing. What a great two bands to see together and an visceral experience!

Face melting experience. I purchased the Mastodon meet and greet package. Worth every penny! Total class act from all the band members. They were fantastic. After the photo op they all took time to mingle with the fans, told personal stories, signed autographs and took selfies with each fan. It was a great experience, to meet them all and then watch the performance. The set list was beyond amazing! It seems they played a song from every album and the graphic displays were phenomenal.

Incredible! Mastodon sounded amazing, Mastodon did not disappoint!

This show was truly something else. I was able to meet Mastodon prior to the show, and they are all super down to earth, and awesome dudes. The show itself was spectacular. Mastodon was just one continuous epic experience.
Setlist for the show at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater
  • Blood and Thunder
  • I Am Ahab
  • Seabeast
  • Ísland
  • Iron Tusk
  • Megalodon
  • Naked Burn
  • Aqua Dementia
  • Hearts Alive
  • Joseph Merrick
  • More Than I Could Chew
  • Circle of Cysquatch
  • Steambreather

Mastodon shared the stage with Malevolence, Kerry King, and Lamb of God at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. They continue across the United States and Canada with the last stop at the The Astro Amphitheater in Omaha, Nebraska on August 31, 2024.

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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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