Mastodon is a metal band from Atlanta, Georgia. They are usually classified as a heavy metal group, although they are also sometimes labeled noise metal and the Encyclopaedia Metallum classifies them as progressive sludge metal. Mastodon's style includes heavy guitar riffs; complex, jazz-influenced drumming; and long, melodic instrumental interludes reminiscent of Pink Floyd.
Mastodon formed in 1999 when Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, former members of both Lethargy and Today is the Day, moved to Atlanta and met Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds, formerly of Four Hour Fogger, at a High on Fire show that Hinds put on in his basement. They recorded a demo in 2000 and immediately began touring, eventually signing with Relapse Records.
Mastodon's first official release was 2001's Lifesblood; it was well received, but the band has since moved away from this release stylistically. Their first full-length album was 2002's Remission. Mastodon arguably struck gold with this album; in 2003, the group premiered the video for "March of the Fire Ants" on MTV2 and was invited to be a part of the Headbanger's Ball two-CD compilation.
Their most recent album, Leviathan, was released in 2004 to critical acclaim; the band won Album of the Year awards from three magazines: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer. Leviathan is a concept album based on Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick.
Mastodon have recently signed to Warner Music. On November 3, 2005, two forthcoming releases were announced: The Call of the Mastodon, a CD collection of early demos, on an unspecified date, as well as The Workhorse Chronicles, a DVD of interviews and concert footage, including material from the band's early days as a five-piece, on February 21, 2006. Additionally, a third studio album is expected to reach stores sometime in mid-2006. Tentatively titled Blood Mountain, the album has been described by drummer Brann Dailor as "one big piece of music, where the end of one song links up with the beginning of the next one."