Mastodon is a band that is from Atlanta and considered to be a heavy metal or progressive metal band. They have become a notable band within the past few years, and since starting out back in 1999, they have accomplished a lot - touring across the world, releasing four albums, and increase and expanding their fan base.

Guitarist Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor, a drummer, moved to Atlanta and they met up with Brent Hinds, a singer and guitarist, and Troy Sanders, singer and bassist. They met at a show, High on Fire. The realize they had a lot in common - an appreciation and love for sludge metal bands, and soon they would come together to form the band Mastodon. By 2001, the band was able to get a record deal with the label Relapse Records. Their first EP was released in 2001 - Lifesblood, and later in 2002 they would release their debut full album, Remission. The singles from this album include "Crusher/Destroyer" and "March of the Fire Ants."

In 2004 Mastodon would release their second album, known as Leviathan, and it received a lot of critical acclaim. Kerrang and Terrorizer gave it the award of Album of the Year, and Metal Hammer named it the second best album of the year. Another distinction this album received was the 3rd best album over the past 20 years, given to them by metal Hammer.

Blood Mountain was their third album, which came out in 2006, right before the band toured with Tool across Europe. The first single from this album was "Capillarian Crest," which reaced number 26 in the top 100 songs of 2006 by Rolling Stone. The album did exceptionally well, noted by Bizarre, Revolver magazine, PopMatters, and Metal Hammer.

Just recently in March of 2009 Mastodon released a fourth album - Crack the Skye. They have a normal version, as well as a deluxe version of the album. Within just a week of this release, it reached number 11 on the Billboard 200. A few of the songs included on their newest release includes "Divinations," "Oblivion," "Ghost of Karelia," and "The Last Baron."

Mastodon has definitely become a top "voice" in the new wave of metal music that has recently become so popular. With a hard and loud sound, they definitely bring back metal music in a new way. Interesting lyrics and hard hitting songs have made the band popular, and they continue to draw followers to their band. They have toured around the world with top bands, and continue to tour, working to bring around a "new wave" of metal.