Mastodon

In addition to appearing on the Unholy Alliance tour, Atlanta's Mastodon is readying the release of their third full-length studio recording with long time producer Matt Bayles. The album, titled Blood Mountain, is the follow up to the Bayles produced Leviathan, which propelled Mastodon into the critical limelight throughout much of 2005 and has kept them there ever since. Since forming in 1999, the band, Brann Dailor, Bill Kelliher, Troy Sanders and Brent Hinds has essentially lived on the road. After non-stop touring they decided to record a demo, which would ultimately be released in a shortened EP form on Relapse Records as Lifeblood. The success of the EP spurned more touring, and even greater success. Their first full-length album Remission, followed in 2002. True to form another round of touring ensued and then Leviathan an album critics were quick to embrace. But it's with the band's legion of fans that they have really delivered. Mastodon's "blue collar" touring ethic has earned them constant accolades from fans that have grown accustomed to their accessibility, approachability and dedication as a working mans band. Rare is the artist who achieves that critical balance coupled with the level of fan support Mastodon has attained. And it was for those fans that Mastodon has again decided to tour as a part of the Unholy Alliance tour this summer. The tour is a perfect opportunity to expose the band to an even wider audience and come fresh on the heels of their next release, Blood Mountain, their Warner Bros Records debut, which is due in stores September 12.