The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Band›Mastodon
Entertainment • Band

Mastodon

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mastodon is an American heavy metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, formed in 2000. The band is known for blending progressive metal, sludge metal, and related styles, and for releasing concept-driven albums. Its classic lineup featured Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor; Hinds left the band in 2025 and later died in a motorcycle accident.

History

Mastodon formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia, after its members met at a High on Fire concert. The group developed from an underground metal act into a widely known heavy metal band with a long recording career.

Musical style

The band’s sound combines progressive metal, sludge metal, stoner metal, and alternative metal. It is known for complex rhythms, extended instrumental passages, and shared vocals among band members.

Albums and recognition

Mastodon’s releases include *Remission* (2002), *Leviathan* (2004), *Blood Mountain* (2006), and later albums such as *The Hunter* and *Crack the Skye*. The band received a Grammy Award for “Sultan’s Curse” in 2018.

Lineup changes

For most of its history, Mastodon’s core lineup consisted of Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor. Hinds departed in March 2025, ending a long-running lineup that had remained stable for 24 years. He died later that year in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta.

Key facts

  • Mastodon formed in Atlanta in 2000 after its members met at a High on Fire show.
  • The band is identified with progressive metal and sludge metal, often using complex song structures and concept themes.
  • Its early releases include *Remission* (2002), *Leviathan* (2004), and *Blood Mountain* (2006).
  • Mastodon won a Grammy Award in 2018 for “Sultan’s Curse.”
  • Brent Hinds left the band in March 2025 and died later that year in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta.
🍁
Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked questions

What type of band is Mastodon?
Mastodon is an American heavy metal band, especially associated with progressive metal and sludge metal.
Where is Mastodon from?
The band originated in Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States.
When did Mastodon form?
Mastodon formed in 2000.
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.”
Who were the classic members of Mastodon?
The long-running lineup included Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor.

References

  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.