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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Music Box • Band

Mastodon

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2000.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2000. The band is known for blending progressive metal and sludge metal, with concept-driven albums and a long-running lineup that ended in 2025.

What it is

Mastodon is a heavy metal band that emerged from Atlanta's underground scene in 2000. Its classic lineup—Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor—remained stable for 24 years until Hinds left in 2025. The band's sound mixes progressive metal, sludge metal, stoner metal, and alternative metal, often featuring complex rhythms and shared vocals.

Why it matters

Mastodon is widely recognized for pushing heavy metal into more progressive and technical territory. Their 2004 album *Leviathan*, a concept album inspired by *Moby-Dick*, is considered a landmark of the genre. The band won a Grammy Award in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse,” and their music continues to influence modern metal acts.

Key details

Mastodon formed after members met at a High on Fire show. Early releases include *Remission* (2002) and *Blood Mountain* (2006). Later albums like *Crack the Skye* expanded their sound. Brent Hinds left in March 2025 and died later that year in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. The band has toured internationally, including Canada, where progressive metal has a strong following.

In short

  • American heavy metal band formed in Atlanta in 2000
  • Known for progressive and sludge metal with concept albums
  • Won a Grammy in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse”
  • Classic lineup ended in 2025 with Brent Hinds' departure
Canadian angle

Mastodon has toured internationally and has a listener base in Canada, where progressive and heavy metal acts commonly appear at major rock and metal festivals and concert venues.

Quick questions

What type of band is Mastodon?
Mastodon is an American heavy metal band, especially associated with progressive metal and sludge metal.
What is Mastodon best known for?
The band is known for heavy, technically complex music and concept albums such as *Leviathan*.
Has Mastodon won a Grammy Award?
Yes. Mastodon won a Grammy Award in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse.”

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon_(band)
    Supports: Origin, formation year, genre, members, and 2025 departure of Brent Hinds.
  2. Red Bull Music Academy Daily — https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2017/04/mastodon-interview/
    Supports: Formation in Atlanta in 2000 and the band’s stylistic blend.
  3. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/mastodon
    Supports: Lineup information and Brent Hinds’ 2025 death.
  4. Songfacts — https://www.songfacts.com/facts/mastodon/blood-and-thunder
    Supports: *Leviathan* as a concept album related to *Moby-Dick*.
  5. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mastodon_(band)
    Supports: Grammy Award for “Sultan's Curse” and album count context.