MASTODON is a sludge metal band formed in 1999 by Brian Dailor and Bill Kelliher. The band consists of 4 members with Troy Sanders on bass and lead vocals, Brent Hinds on guitar and vocals, Kelliher on guitar and back up vocals, and Dailor on drums and vocals. Eric Saner was the original singer but quit the band before they released their first album, “Remission”, that features singles “March of the Fire Ants” and “Crusher/Destroyer”, which was on “Tony Hawk’s Underground” in 2001. The last track of the first 3 albums all refer to “Elephant Man”.

March of the Fire Ants

In 2004, “Leviathan”, was released and blew up. It was ranked #1 by Kerrang! and Terrorizer. The single “Blood and Thunder” was released, named one of the most influential recordings of the century by National Public radio, and was featured in many video games, including “Guitar Hero: Metallica” and “Need For Speed”. The album’s concept is loosley based on the book “Moby Dick”.

 Blood and Thunder

MASTODON’S 3rd album, “Blood Mountain”, was released in 2006. The first single was “Capillarian Crest”, was featured in video games, and rated 27 in Rolling Stones Top 100 songs of 2006. The album was rated the #1 metal album by About.com and The Best Metal Albums of 2006. After performing at the MTV Music Awards, police reports state that an altercation between vocalist Brent Hinds and the bassist from SYSTEM OF A DOWN took place and resulted in a severe head injury for Brent.

Capillarian Crest

 In 2009, “Crack the Skye” was released with a whole new sound. The head injury Brent had recieved changed not only his life but the sound of MASTADON. This album is psychedelic and layered in sound but still very heavy. The album is about the out of body experience of a quadriplegic that travels too close to the sun, severs his umbilical cord that attaches him to his body, and floats away into “Oblivion”. He is then found by Rasputin when he and his cult channel spirits to them. Rasputin is then assasinated and returns the quadriplegic home. Of course a huge tour ensued to promote the album, but since then?

Oblivion

Live at the Aragon was released in 2011 and is a live CD/DVD of “Crack the Skye” with additional tracks. The band is currently hard at work on their latest album “The Hunter”. Look forward to seeing it soon. To find out more on the band, including tour dates, please visit their website here.

BONUS:

Colony of Birchmen

I really wanted to do this at 0400 this morning when I got home, but I was just too damn beat (boohoo). I got a few hours of sleep and have been sitting here zoning out in the recliner. Octane played some damn good songs on my drive home west along Highway 64, and I just want to share the goodness that I still remember from said travels. Enjoy, or not, or whatever. Rock on:

Dope-Addiction

Drowning Pool-Step Up

The Damned Things-Friday Night (Going Down in Flames)

Razer-Superpaun

Disturbed-Stupify

Korn-Coming Undone

Straight Line Stitch-Conversion

In This Moment-The Promise

So, while driving home from “the patch” (oilfield) after a 19 hour day (an hour earlier than expected…BONUS!!!), I was thinking of how far this site has come along and wanted to show my appreciation to the connections I have made, be it from FB, Twitter, or the site in itself. I am an old-fashioned guy but with fresh ears. I have enjoyed diving into the newer sounds of Rock and Metal, and I wanted to share some of the stuff I like to listen to. Remember, I AM being partial here, and in no particular order (except ladies first), here ya go. Rock on:

Alexx Calise-Pull It (Bullet)

Forgive the Fallen-For You

SoulSwitch-Change

Spine Extraction-Suppressing the Rage

Star City Meltdown-Dying to Live

Urban Rebel-Ordained Predators

Another awesome underground Thrash band from way back, like 1984 way back. Jeff Waters is a guitar God, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Annihilator is, was, and always will be his baby. Let us begin this show of love and respect to Canadian Thrash Metal band, Annihilator.

Their first major release came in 1989 called “Alice in Hell”, and it has been re-released twice (1998, 2003). One of my favorites is the title track and actual track 2 on the album.

Crystal Ann (Intro to album)/Alison Hell

The next album came the next year and is entitled “Never, Neverland” (same re-releases as “Alice in Hell”). Here’s my favorite from that one. The title track and #5 on the album.

Never, Neverland

Extensive touring, and three years between “Never, Neverland” and this one, “Set the World on Fire”. Yet, they still brought the fury. It was a good graduation theme song for me. Again, the title track and #1 on the album.

Set the World On Fire

Back to the studio and a mere year later came “King of the Kill”. Check out track 1.

The Box

Some more touring, then in 1996, they released “Refresh the Demon”. Track 6.

Ultraparanoia

A year passed, and out came “Remains”. Almost everything was done by Jeff Waters on this album except 4 collaborations on certain songs. Check out track 2.

Sexecution

Another touring excursion occurred, then in 1999, Waters reunited the original lineup of the band except the bassist. They came out with “Criteria for a Black Widow”. Bringing back that speed and ferocity, check out track 9.

Sonic Homicide

Another 2 year hiatus from the studio, 2001 saw the release of “Carnival Diablos”. Track 6.

Time Bomb (One of my all-time favorite Annihilator songs)

Their 9th album was released in 2002, “Waking the Fury”. Check out track 5.

Ritual

Two years later, in 2004, “All for You” came out. Track 3 is killer.

Demon Dance

“Shizo Deluxe” is the 11th album from them. It came out in 2005. Track 1.

Maximum Satan (Another personal preference)

In 2007, “Metal” was released, but not until early 2008 did the U.S. see it. This album features many different guest musicians from bands such as Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, and In Flames. Check out track 7.

Haunted

Finally, in May 2010, came the 13th album, “Annihilator”. It was several months before I actually listened to the album. Another home run. Check out track 4.

Betrayed

That’s it y’all. Through a nonstop influx of vocalists, bassists, rhythm guitarists and drummers, Jeff Waters has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so. The only other constant is the rhythm guitarist since 2003, Dave Padden. Doesn’t matter to me who is or is not there, except for one guy. The one guy who keeps the train rolling and keeps making the badass Thrash that has been brought to my ears for about 27 years, Jeff Waters and his…ANNIHILATOR. Rock on.

Robert Lowe. Doom Metal legend and God in his own right. His voice epitomizes what Doom Metal will forever be. The above album. The best in history. Solitude Aeturnus. Last Chapter. Concept of God. Candlemass. Lowe rules. Rock on:

Solitude Aeturnus-Seeds of the Desolate

Candlemass-Of Stars and Smoke

James Murphy is one of the best death metal guitarists…ever. Below is some of his ass kicking. I actually drew the image above for a 12th grade art project. I aced it Check out the songs below for some REAL death metal. Rock on:

Obituary-Dying

Obituary-Find the Arise

Death-Spiritual Healing