Mastodon release their fifth album, The Hunter, on September 27. After dropping “Black Tongue,” the Atlanta metal kings have unveiled the record’s first official single, “Curl of the Burl.” Hear it here.
Mastodon are pros at offering a virtuosic, prog-style spin to their thrash sound, but “Curl of the Burl” is surprisingly straight-forward: It’s a sludgy, hard-rock anthem with discernable verses and choruses. That direct approach would make sense. Studio pro Mike Elizondo – who’s produced pop smashes by Timbaland, Dr. Dre, Fiona Apple and more – produced the set. Still, Mastodon fans will find plenty to like with “Curl,” particularly that searing guitar solo at the 2:13 mark.
Mastodon are offering a limited-edition deluxe edition of The Hunter. In addition to the CD and a DVD, the set includes a Lenticular poster and an “augmented reality experience,” which allows fans to transform themselves into the album art via computer.
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SPIN caught up with frontman Brent Hinds back in May and the singer-guitarist said this is one of the best albums the band has made. “It’s a jump-on-your-bed, get naked, and go streaking kind of record. I haven’t had this feeling about a Mastodon record since [2004]’s Leviathan. It’s just fucking awesome.”