Word by Simon Russell-White
Out 28 August 2026
Loma Vista Recordings
To say it’s been a turbulent half decade for Mastodon would be the ‘Motherload’ of all understatements, and since the release of Hushed and Grim (2021) a lot has changed for the Atlanta, Georgia natives. If you’re reading this, then it’s unequivocal proof you’re a fan and there being no real need for me to go into gritty details of past turmoils and tragedies the band and their loved ones have endured, I’ll move on with this sentiment, there will never be another Brent Hinds, and thanks to the almighty who is true that Mastodon have remained composed and have continued on.
Co-produced by Mastodon at their own West End Studios in Atlanta with Patrik Berger (Lana Del Ray, Charli XCX) and Kurt Ballou (Converge, High On Fire) we the people have been gifted with the band’s ninth studio album Marrow Deep, a title that gives insight into the heights and depths this mortal coil has served onto those who carefully constructed and created this adventitious and well-crafted record.
Enter Barbarians Blood which gives us a signature Mastodon flow right from the very start, with a riff that serves as the backbone to the track before building into a peppery number that gives off earlier day Remission (2002) vibes. Followed by Poisonous Weapons which sits well next to the opening track, with it being vocally driven by Troy Sanders (Bass/ Vocals) where Poisonous Weapons leans further into both with Brann Dailor (Drums/ Vocals) sharing vocal duties in the most perfect of ways, both sticking to their strengths and keeping all the meaty morsels on each track truly Mastodon, with lyrical linguistics and performances that serve the music well.
The first taste of Marrow Deep came in the form of Your Ghost Again, a pommeling, energetic and lyrically emotive track that can only be truly appreciated with a pre stretched neck and a load sound system, if you haven’t put your neck out to this one yet then you’re simply not rocking hard enough!
Perhaps pass on the hallucinogens when viewing the film clip for Snakes for Dinner, what a ride it and the track is, with Bill Kelliher (Guitars) and new guy Nick Johnston (Guitars) delivering a driving and off kilter opening riff, coupled with a beat that’ll throw off any professional 4/4 tap dancer, what a cool break/stop that is throughout.
Personal highlights to this track are the panned drums before each of the main verses which really adds a trippy element to it and who can go past the awesome keyboard solo newest member João Nogueira (Keyboards) dishes out…..not to mention the guest vocals by the one and only Josh Homme (Screaming Trees, Queens of the Stone Age), this being his second guest spot with Mastodon, the first being on the track Colony of Birchman from Blood Mountain 20 years ago!
Throughout Marrow Deep there’s a lot of raw power and emotion, with the middle of the album leaning further into deep feels side of things with Out Like a Limb being a pure heavy rock anthem, clocking in at almost six minutes this track will leave you wondering and wandering off into thought, this (now) quintet giving a more experimental offering with there already concrete foundations truly kept intact.
Where do I start with In the Ruins? Troy Sanders voice carry’s the lyrics with pure unapologetic conviction; I can’t remember a time or another song where I’ve heard Troy deliver a track this intense and raw. Honestly, the saying “I’m not crying, you are” hit me and bloody hell this track may sit in my personal ‘Top 5’ all time Mastodon songs.
Following soon after, They’re Coming For You sees the experimental dial turned up with a drawn-out instrumental section followed by a new era vibe that is gosh darn catchy and (yet again, thank goodness) bloody pommelling!
I could spend a week breaking down every track from Marrow Deep, and part of me wants to/ and will keep an element of surprise for you all, and to be truthful there are only so many ways I can explain the true feel to this album. Tracks Golden Spire and Moth and Bone demand the listeners attention purely by being very different to anything the band has ever written, there are newer ideas going on here, and if this is the future of Mastodon then by jingo’s get ready and remain ready gang!
Over the 26-year span of Mastodon’s storied career we have seen some amazing song titles, and A Vampire’s Demeanour is up there! Now, this track is a two headed beast, going from perhaps the most (old school) furious then snapping back to In the Ruins likeness and mood, it’s beautifully ugly and magically layered, with a wicked bass tone and killer guitar solo!
Speaking of killer bass tones that would make Geezer Butler (Bass, Black Sabbath) smile from ear to ear (bless his soul) is the beginning of The Vanishing, a track that will never age and will only get better with time. It’s rare to find modern music that pays homage to the forefathers of heavy Gods like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Rock gods like The Beatles, but Mastodon (to me) have done it here.
Mastodon have formed the perfect final track, The Three Fates ending with a journeyed high and low number with a psychedelic middle section that is all their own, it really wraps up the album in the truest of ways.
I sincerely hope you all enjoy this album as much as I enjoyed reviewing it, what a privilege it is still having Mastodon in our lives.
