The song "Colony of Birchmen" from the band's third album (released in 2006), Blood Mountain, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2007. Blood Mountain was followed in 2009 by Crack the Skye, and in 2011 by The Hunter, which debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard 200 chart and achieved major commercial success in the United States. The Hunter features the song "Curl of the Burl", which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2012. Mastodon's 2014 album, Once More 'Round the Sun, peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and features the band's third Grammy-nominated song, "High Road". The band's seventh album, Emperor of Sand, was released on March 31, 2017, and features the band's most commercially successful song to date, "Show Yourself", which peaked at No. 4 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock Songs chart in June 2017. The followup single, "Steambreather", peaked at number 18 on the same chart in October 2017. The album's opening track, "Sultan's Curse", earned the band their first Grammy award. Emperor of Sand was the band's first album to receive a Grammy nomination; it was nominated for Best Rock Album.
Mastodon was formed on January 13, 2000, after drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher moved to Atlanta from Victor, New York, and met bassist/singer Troy Sanders and guitarist/singer Brent Hinds at a High on Fire show. They discovered they had a mutual appreciation of sludge metal bands Melvins and Neurosis, heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, and 1970s hard rockers Thin Lizzy, and shortly thereafter formed Mastodon. In an interview in 2009, Kelliher revealed that the first time Hinds attended a practice with the band, he "showed up so wasted he couldn't play".
The band recorded a demo in 2000, which featured Eric Saner on vocals. Saner left the band for personal reasons after just a couple of months. After recording a four-song demo and a 7-inch picture disc through Reptilian Records, Mastodon landed a record deal with Relapse Records in 2001. Mastodon released the EP Lifesblood in 2001, and its first full-length album, Remission, in 2002, with the singles "March of the Fire Ants" and "Crusher/Destroyer" (which was also featured on Tony Hawk's Underground). On each of Mastodon's first three full-length albums, the last track was an instrumental composition with a title that related to the Elephant Man.
Artist Paul Romano was responsible for all of the band's album art and backdrops up to 2011. The artwork for the band's fifth studio album The Hunter was made by AJ Fosik, a woodcarver who was also responsible for the backdrop the band used live at the time. Oakland-based artist Skinner, who, in his own words, specializes in "psychedelic nightmare paintings", has taken the reins on Once More 'Round the Sun. "It's going to be a work of art for sure. It's going to be very eye-opening", said bassist Troy Sanders before the album's release. "Very striking. It's from another dimension, and a lot of our music is geared toward that idea—taking you to another planet on songs. It's out there, and I think it's incredible."
Studio albums
Remission (2002)
Leviathan (2004)
Blood Mountain (2006)
Crack the Skye (2009)
The Hunter (2011)
Once More 'Round the Sun (2014)
Emperor of Sand (2017)
Hushed and Grim (2021)
EPs
Lifesblood (2001)
Cold Dark Place (2017)
Asleep In The Deep
Mastodon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The demons, they all went away
Be careful, they're only asleep for a while
Pretending there's nothing to say
Throw salt in all the corners here
Make sure you watch him leave
And dig out the rot in the floor
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
And mortar that's made from coal
Crawl into this hole I've made
Transform these feelings of fear
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
I hope that we make it to shore
As time chips away at the fortress walls
It seems that we weathered the storm
The sun begins to show itself
Revealing victory
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
The lyrics of Mastodon's song "Asleep in the Deep" are somewhat cryptic, but they seem to be about a person struggling with their inner demons and trying to find a way to block out negative thoughts and emotions. The song starts with the singer acknowledging a friend who has managed to dispel the demons, warning them that they are only temporarily gone. The lyrics then pivot to instructions on how to create a protective barrier, including throwing salt in the corners and walling off the house. The imagery is dark and ominous, suggesting that the demons are not easily defeated and that the struggle is ongoing.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to be consumed with thoughts of a woman whose voice they cannot forget. The repetition of the line "I'm on fire" suggests a sense of burning desire or perhaps overwhelming frustration. The images of loose lips and deaf ears suggest that communication has broken down in some way, adding to the sense of isolation and struggle. Despite this, the song ends on a note of hope, with the sun breaking through and victory seeming within reach. Overall, the lyrics seem to be wrestling with themes of pain, loss, and perseverance, all wrapped up in a musical package that is alternately searing and hypnotic.
Line by Line Meaning
The moment you walked in the room, my friend
As soon as you arrived, all the negative emotions disappeared
The demons, they all went away
The bad thoughts and feelings disappeared
Be careful, they're only asleep for a while
Be cautious, because the negative emotions might come back
Pretending there's nothing to say
Acting like there isn't anything wrong
Throw salt in all the corners here
Sprinkle salt around the room to get rid of bad energy
Make sure you watch him leave
Ensure that the negative person leaves
Build up the walls around this house
Create emotional barriers to protect oneself
And dig out the rot in the floor
Remove the damaged parts of the foundation
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
Seal off the way for negativity to enter
And mortar that's made from coal
Use strong, durable materials to create barriers
Crawl into this hole I've made
Find safety in this hidden space
Transform these feelings of fear
Change the negative emotions to positive ones
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
I'm consumed by emotions and memories
And I can't get you out of my mind
I can't stop thinking about you
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Words were heard, but not taken to heart
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
Actions were seen, but not acknowledged
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
Overwhelming sadness is present in this place
I hope that we make it to shore
I hope we can overcome the sadness and find happiness
As time chips away at the fortress walls
Time breaks down the emotional defenses
It seems that we weathered the storm
It appears that we survived the difficult times
The sun begins to show itself
Happiness is starting to take over
Revealing victory
Showing the triumph over sadness
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
I'm overwhelmed with emotions and memories
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm unable to stop thinking about you
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
I'm consumed by emotions and memories
And I can't get you out of my mind
I can't stop thinking about you
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
I'm overwhelmed with emotions and memories
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm unable to stop thinking about you
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
I'm consumed by emotions and memories
And I can't get you out of my mind
I can't stop thinking about you
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRANN TIMOTHY DAILOR, TROY JAYSON SANDERS, WILLIAM BREEN KELLIHER, WILLIAM BRENT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Business Raptor
LYRICS
The moment you walked in the room, my friend
The demons, they all went away
Be careful, they're only asleep for a while
Pretending there's nothing to say
Throw salt in all the corners here
Make sure you watch him leave
Build up the walls around this house
And dig out the rot in the floor
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
And mortar that's made from coal
Crawl into this hole I've made
Transform these feelings of fear
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
I hope that we make it to shore
As time chips away at the fortress walls
It seems that we weathered the storm
The sun begins to show itself
Revealing victory
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
EmmanuilA
The moment you walked in the room my friend
The demons, they all went away
Be careful they're only asleep for a while
Pretending there's nothing to say
Throw salt in all the corners here
Make sure you watch him leave
Build up the walls around this house
And dig out the rot in the floor
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
And mortar that's made from coal
Crawl into this hole I've made
Transform these feelings of fear
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
I hope that we make it to shore
As time chips away at the fortress walls
Its seems that we weathered the storm
The sun begins to show itself
Revealing victory
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire
Say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
Sometimes Lapse
The moment you walked in the room my friend
The demons they all went away
Be careful, they're only asleep for a while
Pretending there's nothing to say
Throw salt in all the corners here
Make sure you watch him leave
Build up the walls around this house
And dig out the rot in the floor
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
And mortar that's made from coal
Crawl into this hole I've made
Transform these feelings of fear
I'm on fire
(Say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
I hope that we make it to shore
As time chips away at the fortress walls
It seems that we weathered the storm
The sun begins to show itself
Revealing victory
I'm on fire say you'll remember her voice
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
I'm on fire
(Say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind (repeat)
Shawn Vandyke
The moment you walked in the room, my friend
The demons, they all went away
Be careful, they're only asleep for a while
Pretending there's nothing to say
Throw salt in all the corners here
Make sure you watch him leave
Build up the walls around this house
And dig out the rot in the floor
Block out the entrance with brick and stone
And mortar that's made from coal
Crawl into this hole I've made
Transform these feelings of fear
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
An ocean of sorrow surrounds this home
I hope that we make it to shore
As time chips away at the fortress walls
It seems that we weathered the storm
The sun begins to show itself
Revealing victory
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Loose lips have fallen on deaf ears
Loose lips have fallen on blind eyes
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
I'm on fire (say you'll remember her voice)
And I can't get you out of my mind
Rydell
This sounds like a fever dream. Unreal harmonies and chords.
Mastodon is so unique and different it's incredible.
One of the best bands of this century so far.
Gideon Max Merling
this also looks like a fever dream
Ignacio S
thought something similar listening to more than i could chew
Rydell
@Jin Sakai Not when you take the right medicine.
Jin Sakai
Dude I wish fever dreams were more like this. They fking suck
Evan Davidson
I love this one....it has that dreamy feel..bill kelliher's riffs on this one totally carry the tune...and it just carries you away.....the video captured that pretty well in a weird muppet way..and brent's solo is great and organic as fuck as always
Orion Sickels
This song is a perfect allegory for getting over depression or overcoming drug addiction, years later it’s still helping me, love you Mastodon!
Artyom Loukashov
The whole album theme seems to be mental health and related. "Once More 'Round the Sun is loosely based on the life and times of each person in the band during the past year." and moore.
Mike F
I view this video as a song about a call to the cat for help by those Under-dwellars that were being bullied and terrorized by an evil entity and they needed the Cats help to full fill a destiny and is their savior to release them from that oppression.
Rafael Gaia
Never thought of it that way. I must agree now that I see from your perspective.