Mastodon are streaming the track, “Show Yourself”, as the second preview to their forthcoming album, “Emperor Of Sand.”
The tune follows the recent release of the project’s lead single, “Sultan’s Curse”, and ahead of the album’s release on March 31.
The Atlanta outfit’s seventh release was recorded with producer Brendan O’Brien at the Quarry in Kennesaw, Georgia last year.
"'Emperor of sand' is like the grim reaper," says drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor. "Sand represents time. If you or anyone you know has ever received a terminal diagnosis, the first thought is about time. Invariably, you ask, 'How much time is left?'"
"There is a tie, a concept that goes between them,” adds Dailor about the songs and the album’s theme. “The last couple of years have been not... there's been some illness within the bands' family, there's been a bunch of cancer. So the whole album is sort of all about cancer basically. Well, not literally. It's a big story that sort of roped to go along with it. It takes place in the desert."
Bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders’ wife, Jeza, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
"We're reflecting on mortality," reflects Sanders. "To that end, the album ties into our entire discography. It's 17 years in the making, but it's also a direct reaction to the last two years. We tend to draw inspiration from very real things in our lives."
Mastodon will launch “Emperor Of Sand” with a spring tour of North America; the 6-week run with Eagles Of Death Metal and Russian Circles will begin in Missoula, MT on April 14.
See also:
AUDIO: Mastodon stream new single Sultan’s Cruse
Mastodon announce seventh album Emperor Of Sand
VIDEO: Mastodon preview new album
Mastodon announce North American tour
Search Mastodon at hennemusic
