Brann from metal gods Mastodon discusses hip-hop producers, non-concept albums, ignoring audience expectations and more.
Mastodon formed in Atlanta, Georgia, in 2000 when bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor came together after meeting at a High on Fire show. Drawing on progressive rock, sludge, punk, and classic heavy metal, the band quickly carved out a reputation as one of the most inventive forces in modern heavy music.
Their debut, Remission (2002), delivered a raw and ferocious sound that put Mastodon on the metal map. The follow-up, Leviathan (2004), a concept album inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, earned critical acclaim and was named Album of the Year by several outlets, cementing their reputation as pioneers of progressive metal.
Blood Mountain (2006) pushed further into complexity and received a Grammy nomination, while Crack the Skye (2009) expanded their palette with psychedelic and progressive flourishes, becoming a fan favourite and a critical milestone.
With The Hunter (2011) and Once More ’Round the Sun (2014), Mastodon broadened their appeal, introducing more melody without losing their heavy edge. Emperor of Sand (2017), a concept album reflecting personal battles with cancer, earned them a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance with “Sultan’s Curse.” Their latest studio release, Hushed and Grim (2021), was a sprawling double album dedicated to longtime manager Nick John, marking the band’s most emotional work to date.
Across their career, Mastodon became renowned for their dual-vocal approach, intricate guitar interplay, and genre-defying ambition. They earned a reputation as one of the defining metal bands of the 21st century, headlining festivals worldwide while influencing a new generation of heavy musicians.
From sludge beginnings to Grammy-winning progressive metal icons, Mastodon’s journey remains one of constant reinvention and fearless creativity.
For Music Fans … Noise11.com, your music news and interviews channel. Like and Subscribe
Mastodon delivered their first non-concept album in The Hunter in 2011, continuing a career of baffling fans with twisting and turning heavy metal masterpieces.
We chat to drummer Brann Dailor about being embraced by the mainstream, working with a hip-hop producer, performing albums in their entirety, touring with heavy music royalty, writing on the road, and the concept of having no concept.
