Released on March 31, 2017, Emperor of Sand marked another triumphant evolution for Mastodon, a band known for seamlessly blending progressive metal, sludgy heaviness, and deeply personal storytelling. Over the years, the Atlanta quartet had built a reputation for crafting concept-driven, musically adventurous albums, and Emperor of Sand was no exception. This record saw the band exploring themes of mortality, resilience, and fate, all wrapped in their signature mix of crushing riffs, soaring melodies, and intricate musicianship.
At its core, Emperor of Sand is one of Mastodon’s most personal and introspective albums. The inspiration stemmed from real-life hardships, particularly cancer diagnoses affecting the band members’ loved ones. Drummer Brann Dailor described the record as “a reflection on time—how much we have left and how we choose to spend it,” with the overarching story following a condemned desert wanderer facing an uncertain fate. The result is a deeply moving, sonically ambitious, and musically refined album that stands among Mastodon’s finest work.
A Conceptual Masterpiece: Mortality and Redemption in the Desert
Mastodon has always been a conceptually rich band, weaving intricate narratives into their albums. Emperor of Sand follows the story of a nomadic figure, doomed to wander an endless desert, sentenced to die by a vengeful sultan. This overarching story is a metaphor for illness, suffering, and the battle against time itself.
Bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, who channeled his own personal grief into the album, reflected on the process: “When you experience sickness and death firsthand, it changes your perspective on everything. This album was our way of dealing with that—turning pain into something powerful.”
Lyrically, the record swings between anguish and hope, painting vivid pictures of harsh landscapes, impending doom, and the human spirit’s fight to endure. It’s a deeply existential album, but instead of wallowing in despair, Emperor of Sand channels those emotions into a grand, immersive experience that is both heavy and uplifting.
A Sonic Journey: Merging Heaviness with Melody
Musically, Emperor of Sand is a masterclass in balance. It fuses the dense, sludgy riffs of Mastodon’s early years with the progressive, atmospheric melodies of their later work. There’s an undeniable groove that runs through the album, making it one of their most accessible records while still retaining a deep complexity.
The guitar work from Brent Hinds and Bill Kelliher is exceptional, shifting effortlessly between crushing heaviness and intricate, melodic layering. Hinds, known for his wild, unpredictable solos, delivers some of his best work, while Kelliher anchors the record with his thunderous rhythm playing. The drumming from Brann Dailor remains a highlight, with his trademark fills and precise, jazz-influenced approach adding a unique texture to every track.
“We always try to make albums that feel like a journey,” Kelliher explained. “This one felt like walking through a vast, endless desert—harsh, but beautiful.”
Tracks like Sultan’s Curse immediately set the tone, bursting out with a massive riff and powerful dual-vocal delivery. Meanwhile, Steambreather showcases the band’s ability to create hypnotic, groove-heavy sections that pull the listener in. Roots Remain is a hauntingly melodic track, with Brann Dailor’s emotive vocals adding a sense of urgency and pain, while Jaguar God, the album’s epic closer, takes listeners on a dynamic journey from soft, introspective passages to a towering, explosive finale.
A Balance of Complexity and Accessibility
One of the most impressive aspects of Emperor of Sand is how Mastodon continues to evolve their sound. The album isn’t just a return to heaviness, nor is it a purely progressive experiment—it’s a carefully crafted hybrid of both. There’s a fluidity in the songwriting that makes even the most intricate compositions feel natural and immediate.
Brann Dailor, who has increasingly stepped into the spotlight as a vocalist, described the band’s approach: “We wanted to make a record that felt epic and grand but also had songs you could sing along to. That’s a tough balance, but I think we struck it.”
Tracks like Show Yourself demonstrate this balance perfectly. It’s catchy, direct, and packed with melody, yet it still carries the weight and intensity that defines Mastodon’s sound. Meanwhile, songs like Precious Stones and Andromeda showcase the band’s progressive side, filled with shifting time signatures and unpredictable structures.
A Career-Defining Record
Though Mastodon has an impressive discography filled with critically acclaimed albums, Emperor of Sand stands out as a career-defining moment. It was nominated for Best Rock Album at the Grammys, and the track Sultan’s Curse won Best Metal Performance, solidifying the band’s status as one of the most important acts in modern metal.
“We put everything we had into this album,” said Hinds. “The pain, the anger, the hope—it’s all in there.”
In many ways, Emperor of Sand serves as a reflection on Mastodon’s journey as a band. From their early days as a sludge-metal powerhouse to their evolution into progressive metal titans, they’ve never stopped pushing themselves creatively. This album encapsulates everything that makes Mastodon great—monstrous riffs, powerful storytelling, and a fearless approach to songwriting.
Final Verdict: 9.5/10
Standout Tracks:
Sultan’s Curse
Show Yourself
Streambreather
Jaguar God
For fans of progressive metal, heavy rock, and emotionally charged music, Emperor of Sand is an essential listen. It’s an album that hits hard both musically and emotionally, offering a cathartic, deeply personal journey wrapped in Mastodon’s signature heaviness and complexity.
Whether you’re a longtime Mastodon fan or new to their music, Emperor of Sand is an epic, beautifully crafted album that showcases why Mastodon remains one of the most compelling bands in modern metal.
Until next time, play it loud, friends!
