Shure Artists: Mastodon

Mastodon recorded their first demo in June 2000 and played numerous dates with bands as far ranging as Cannibal Corpse, Queens Of The Stone Age and Morbid Angel. The crushing demo and powerful live shows earned them a record deal with Relapse records, and in August the band released its debut EP Lifesblood. Technically complex, rhythmically pummeling and instilled with groove, the disc earned Mastodon a loyal following even if it didn't exactly pay the rent.

In October 2001, Mastodon entered the studio with producer Matt Bayles to record their full-length debut, Remission. The album came out in 2002 and its striking blend of stoner metal, hardcore, prog-rock and, southern rock set the metal world ablaze. But it was the raging turmoil and pulverizing elegance of 2004's Leviathan, again recorded with Bayles, that made Mastodon one of the most lauded new groups. Revolver called them one of the 25 Greatest Live Bands Ever and Metal Hammer declared them a group you "Must Hear" and Kerrang labeled them "Best Band On The Planet." It wasn't just metal fans that felt the love. Alternative Press named them one the "25 Most Important Bands in Metal" and they were even profiled in Rolling Stone.