Leviathan (Mastodon album)
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Leviathan is a concept album by Sludge metal band Mastodon, released in 2004 by Relapse Records. The album is based on the Herman Melville novel Moby-Dick, with the songs: "Iron Tusk", "Blood and Thunder" "I Am Ahab" and "Seabeast" released as singles. Three magazines awarded it Album of the Year in 2004: Revolver, Kerrang!, and Terrorizer.
Leviathan was also released with an Audio DVD in a limited edition set with a black and gold slipcase. The album brought Mastodon great critical acclaim and, thanks to the ensuing tour, a considerably larger fan base. Leviathan has sold 103,000 copies as of September, 2006.[citation needed] Guitarist Bill Kelliher considers this album to represent the water element.[1]
Track listing
All tracks are written by Mastodon
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Blood and Thunder" (Feat. Neil Fallon) | 3:49 |
| 2. | "I Am Ahab" | 2:45 |
| 3. | "Seabeast" | 4:15 |
| 4. | "Iceland" | 3:27 |
| 5. | "Iron Tusk" | 3:03 |
| 6. | "Megalodon" | 4:22 |
| 7. | "Naked Burn" | 3:43 |
| 8. | "Aqua Dementia" (Feat. Scott Kelly) | 4:12 |
| 9. | "Hearts Alive" | 13:39 |
| 10. | "Joseph Merrick" | 3:33 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Naked Burn" (5.1 Surround Sound) | |
| 2. | "Aqua Dementia" (5.1 Surround Sound) | |
| 3. | "Hearts Alive" (5.1 Surround Sound) | |
| 4. | "Where Strides the Behemoth" (Live) | |
| 5. | "Battle at Sea" (Live) | |
| 6. | "Thank You for This / We Built This Come Death" (Live) | |
| 7. | "Crusher Destroyer" (Live) |
Videography
The "Tour Edition" CD-ROM was released in 2005 which in addition to the main album contained the videos for "Iron Tusk" and "Blood and Thunder". The Tour Edition is presented in a slipcase which showcases the complete cover artwork, rather than the detail of the whale featured on the standard edition. A video for "Seabeast" was completed in 2006. [2]
Concept
Leviathan has a rather vague concept when compared to Mastodon's future endeavors. It tells the story of Captain Ahab ([1]) and his obsession with the White Whale. Mastodon members have constantly stated that Ahab's story is a parallel to the band's journey towards success, fame and renown.
Artwork
The White Tower seen in the artwork on the inside cover of the booklet is a revamped version of Martin Heemskerck's 16th century interpretation of the Pharos of Alexandria. The wave seen in the full picture of the artwork is a reflection of Hokusai's The Great Wave off Kanagawa.
In pop culture
- The song "Blood and Thunder" was featured in Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Saints Row, Konami's Guitar Freaks and Drummania, Microsoft's Project Gotham Racing 3, and at the end of Standoff episode "Severance".[citation needed] It is a playable track in Guitar Hero Metallica.
- The song "Iron Tusk" was featured in 2K Sports's NHL 2K9 and Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.
Credits
Band
- Troy Sanders – bass, vocals
- Brent Hinds – guitar, vocals
- Bill Kelliher – guitar
- Brann Dailor – drums
Guest musicians
- Scott Kelly (Neurosis) – additional vocals on "Aqua Dementia"
- Neil Fallon (Clutch) – additional vocals on "Blood and Thunder"
- Matt Bayles – organs on "Joseph Merrick"
- Phil Peterson – cello on "Aqua Dementia"
Other credits
- Matthew F. Jacobson – executive Producer
- Alan Douches – mastering
- Paul A. Romano – artwork, design
Notes
- ^ "MASTODON (TROY SANDERS/BILL KELIHER) INTERVIEW". Terrorverlag GbR Musik Magazine. 2006-10-11. Retrieved 2007-05-28.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ MASTODON COMPLETE WORK ON NEW MUSIC VIDEO - News from Relapse Records / Release Entertainment