News / Records
Mastodon Announce Live DVD/CD Set

Official press release:

Heavy rock innovators Mastodon will release their first-ever live experience package entitled Mastodon: Live At The Aragon on March 15th, 2011, on Reprise Records. The set will contain a CD and DVD which captures the band's sonic assault recorded and filmed live October 19th, 2009, at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago while touring in support of its critically-applauded album, Crack The Skye.

Mastodon: Live At The Aragon DVD + CD is comprised of Crack The Skye performed live in its glorious entirety along with fan favorites from Blood Mountain (2006) and Leviathan (2004) plus a brutal cover of "The Bit" by Melvins. A dozen blistering tracks that loudly displays Mastodon's unmatched virtuosic prowess at the apex of their career to date. The DVD program contains a full 78 minute live visual concert experience filmed in Chicago and is a stunning representation of the band captured in their most natural and primal element.

Click on the link to view the trailer for Mastodon: Live At The Aragon - www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJYCKEgodRQ

The DVD will also feature a 58 minute "tour film" entitled "Crack the Skye: The Movie," and contains the films which were projected on screen, behind the band in performance. These images were created specifically to illustrate the conceptual thread linking each of the songs on Crack the Skye and are exclusive to this package for the very first time giving the fans a brand new way to re-experience Crack The Skye.

Beginning today through www.Mastodonrocks.com fans can pre-order a special bundle that will include the complete Mastodon: Live At The Aragon, along with a Custom Mastodon guitar Pick Tin (with embossed picks) and a reproduction of the official Mastodon All Access Tour Laminate exclusive only to this package. Quantities are very limited so don't delay.

Fans who wish to purchase Mastodon: Live At The Aragon digital download can do so on the iTunes Store both in audio form, and as a live concert film including, "Crack the Skye: The Movie." In addition, the package will also be available through Amazon.com as an audio/video bundle.

In addition, Mastodon will help celebrate Record Store Day, April 16th, by releasing two limited-edition vinyl pressings. First will be the version of Mastodon: Live At The Aragon, pressed onto 180 gram audiophile weight vinyl and will also contain the DVD of the live show, plus "Crack the Skye: The Movie." Secondly, an exclusive split 7" vinyl single of the ZZ Top classic, "Just Got Paid," with Mastodon's version on one side backed with the original ZZ Top version on the flip, housed in a clear plastic slipcase. Mastodon's version of the track originally appeared on the album, Covered, A Revolution In Sound, commemorating 50 years of Warner Bros. Records.

Mastodon: Live At The Aragon follows in the wake of the band's acclaimed conceptual masterwork Crack The Skye, released in March 2009 to thunderous accolades and finished out the year even stronger as it found its way onto numerous "Best of 2009" critics lists and readers polls, including an impressive No. 8 position on the prestigious Village Voice Annual Pazz & Jop Poll. Here are just a few examples of what the press had to say about Crack The Skye:

"Thunderous, disciplined and expansive…the ambition and tenacity of Mastodon's music makes Crack The Skye sonically unforgettable." – Time Magazine

"Mastodon are the greatest metal band of their generation – no one else comes close." -- Rolling Stone Magazine

"Bask in ‘Crack the Skye's' superb sonic qualities. Give ‘em half a chance and they'll take you someplace pretty cosmic." – Entertainment Weekly

"Mastodon has earned its place at the forefront of progressive metal with a mix of headiness and brawn…but the ambitious vision and vivid execution of ‘Crack The Skye don't feel like a departure for this band. And if letting go means breaking through some kind of ceiling, Mastodon seems both wary and ready." –The New York Times

The track-listing for Mastodon: Live At The Aragon is as follows:

"Oblivion"
"Divinations"
"Quintessence"
"The Czar"
"Ghost Of Karelia"
"Crack The Skye"
"The Last Baron"
"Circle of Cysquatch"
"Aqua Dementia"
"Where Strides The Behemoth"
"Mother Puncher"
"The Bit"

Mastodon is currently writing new materials for their next album, with a view to record later this year.