Mastodon has been up front and honest about the concept for their Emperor Of Sand record since we first heard about them writing new material. With the band having to deal with cancer affecting their families and friends over the past eighteen months, the guys decided to take on that devastating news, and put it into song. Throughout the record the listener follows the journey of a person destined to die, and while important lessons are learned, and memories come to life, their fate, like many that deal with cancer, is already determined. With a powerful soundtrack accompanying the tragic theme throughout the album, Emperor Of Sand makes for Mastodon‘s most vulnerable, yet focused release in years. Continue reading →