Mastodon's first concept album — based on Herman Melville's classic novel Moby-Dick — Leviathan represented a massive step in the rising Atlanta band's evolution, both thematically, musically and commercially. Clean vocals crept into the fold, big-name guests (notably, the group's "fifth member" Scott Kelly, of Neurosis, made his debut appearance on a Mastodon record) contributed, and the 13-minute opus "Hearts Alive" foreboded progressive things to come. Committed road dogs from the start, the band toured extensively behind the record — which was met with critical acclaim, including an Album of the Year nod from Revolver — opening for Slayer and appearing on 2005's Ozzfest. Along for much of the ride was Revolver's creative director Jimmy Hubbard, photographing them onstage, backstage, in their van — a.k.a. "the Fart Box" — and pretty much anywhere else as they logged countless miles and played counteless shows. Below, he shares some of his favorite shots from the era.
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Knotfest Roadshow: See Gripping Photos of Slipknot, Volbeat, Gojira, Behemoth
Masks, kegs, fire, pompadours
Tool Post Music Videos to YouTube: "Prison Sex," "Sober," "Stinkfist," More
Band's brilliant animated shorts officially hit the internet
Tool Release First New Album in 13 Years 'Fear Inoculum'
It's here. It's finally here.
Corey Taylor: Slipknot Are "Regarded With Disdain by the Metal Pantheon"
Singer says band shouldn't be lumped in with nu-metal, doesn't give a fuck about popular opinion