The 125-Plus People, Places and Things Ruling the Rock & Roll Universe : Rolling Stone

BEST METAL BAND

Mastodon

"The Mastodon was this pre-historic, lumbering beast," says Troy Sanders, singer-bassist of the Atlanta metal crew. "It matches the idea of the music we want to create: just a powerhouse." Masters of virtuosic, twisted riff attacks, Mastodon are the kings of the current metal scene — drawing everyone from stoner dudes to urban hipsters at their unhinged live shows. In 2006, the band hit its stride with Blood Mountain, a concept album about a mountain inhabited by ogres and dwarves. (The band digs a conceit: 2004's Leviathan was based on Moby-Dick, and the next record — due out this year — explores czarist Russia.) And the group's sound ranges way beyond Slayer and Metallica: "Iron Tusk" features Beethoven-esque guitar, and "Megalodon" is laced with bluegrass.

The band's favorite gig was in 2001, when Mastodon were denied entry into Canada. They sought out the closest venue to blow off steam, ending up at a bar in Fargo, North Dakota. After convincing the bartender to let them play an impromptu show, Mastodon cleared the room. "No one gave a shit about us," says Sanders. "But we had so much pent-up energy, we probably played the best set ever." KEVIN O'DONNELL