I went to High School with Brann back in the late 80's in Rochester NY and the talent was pouring out of this kid, even from the early stages of his playing. I can remember going over to his Mom's basement to listen to him jam with one of his first bands, Covenant. They had some great shows at the old roller skating rink in town! I had been playing for quite a few years already and had to stand and watch this "kid" blow me away! We all knew when the first Lethargy album came out, that was it. If you want to hear some insane old Brann, go get the Lethargy Discography 93' - 98' and listen to "Little Man" (he plays stuff that would make even Chris Pennie bow!)
Everyone here in Rochester is absolutely amazed at the progress he, and Mastodon, have made. I try to imagine what it's like for a young kid growing up now, listening to Mastodon. I can tell you that if it was me growing up now, I'de probably think some of my "Icon's" totally sucked! If the future of Prog is Brann and Mastodon, I want to live forever! By the way, Brann was quite the singer back in the day!!
Mastodon formed in 2000 when Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, former members of both Lethargy and Today is the Day, moved to Atlanta and met Troy Sanders, formerly of Four Hour Fogger and Social Infestation, and Brent Hinds, formerly of Four Hour Fogger, at a High on Fire show that has been rumored to have taken place in Hinds' basement (which was later proven to be false). They recorded a demo in 2000 which is generally referred to as the "9 Song Demo." This CD-R was sold at shows, and the recordings actually had the bands first lead singer, Eric Saner on vocals. In early 2006, this recording was remastered and put out by Relapse Records, who gave it the more proper title "Call of the Mastodon". Eric Saner left the band for personal reasons after being in it just a couple of months, and after recording one more demo and recording a 7" picture disc on Reptilian Records, Mastodon landed a record deal with Relapse Records in 2001. Mastodon's first official release was 2001's Lifesblood; it was well received, but the band has since moved away from this release stylistically. Their first full-length album was 2002's Remission. Mastodon arguably struck gold with this album; in 2003, the group premiered the video for "March of the Fire Ants" on MTV2 and was invited to be a part of the Headbanger's Ball two-CD compilation.
With more than 65,000 copies sold in the U.S. of their latest album Blood Mountain, Mastodon have earned a Grammy Award nomination for their single "Colony Of Birchmen" in the "Best Metal Performance" category. The 49th annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 11th @ 8pm EST. No wonder Blender Magazine has hailed the band as "Kings of metal"!
Blood Mountain was released on September 12th, 2006, and debuted at Number 32 on Billboard's Top 200 chart. It remained at Number 1 on Billboard's Hard Music Chart for 4 weeks. The group, who are currently on tour with Tool, will finish up later this month and roll out again in 2007 for a headlining tour beginning in January.
Rolling Stone are calling Blood Mountain one of their Top 50 records of the year (Dec issue). Decibel Magazine and Total Guitar (UK) have named it, "Record of the Year" (out now). Also be on the lookout for Kerrang! Metal Hammer and Death & Taxes which all feature Blood Mountain in their end of year polls. Mastodon are truly taking over the metal genre and crossing over into America's households with a successful performance on The Late Show with Conan O' Brien in November 06'
Next tune into MTV2 on December 19th for the airing of Mastodon Makes an Album, which offers fans a glimpse of footage taken of the band behind the scenes and in the studio, plus two live songs. The video for "Colony Of Birchmen" can be seen on MTV's Headbangers' Ball and on Fuse TV.
MORE MASTODON TO COME AS THEY TOUR THE U.S. IN JANUARY
2007!!!
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