Since forming in Atlanta in 2000, Mastodon has become a prominent name in modern metal, known for their genre-blending approach that fuses sludge, progressive, and alternative metal. Their early albums, like Remission and Leviathan, introduced fans to a fierce, narrative-driven sound, with Leviathan receiving acclaim as a concept album inspired by Moby-Dick. Over the years, they’ve pushed boundaries through albums like Blood Mountain and Crack the Skye, each exploring profound themes like life, death, and the cosmos, solidifying their reputation as both musically inventive and emotionally resonant.
In recent years, Mastodon’s work, including Hushed and Grim (2021), reflects deeply personal themes of loss, inspired by the death of their longtime manager and friend, Nick John. Known for their intense live shows and intricate compositions, Mastodon continues to inspire fans and the metal scene with their raw, immersive soundscapes and lyrics that confront trauma and resilience head-on. The last time Mastodon played at Brutal Assault was in 2016, and now they are returning to the Fortress after nine years!