Mastodon’s Immersive Experience

Metalheads packed Smart Financial Center Sunday night for melodic-metal legends Mastodon. The venue might seem like an odd place for a metal show, ticketed seats fill the auditorium rather than an open floor suited for a pit, but the acoustic properties of the venue create a unique auditorial experience. “I know it’s weird with the seats, right? You wanna like, punch your friend in the head, but you cant, because you’ve got a seat behind you, and you dont want anything to happen” commented singer and percussionist, Brann Dailor. Fans didn’t seem upset over the lack of mosh-pit room, they rocked out responsibly in their designated spots, the lucky few at the front head-banged by the stage and fist bumped members of the band. Because they weren’t focusing on moshing, fans were able to fully appreciate the immersive experience of the show, meticulously planned out by the band.

Lead singer and percussionist, Brann Dailor – photo by Jennifer Lake

It’s been over two years since the band came through Houston and they were elated to be back. “Hey it’s good to be live in front of real real people, and you being here, and us being here, thank you for bringing us to Houston man!” exclaimed guitarist and lead singer, Brent Hinds. Over those two year Mastodon has released two albums. Medium Rarities, a compilation album, was released in September 2020 and the band’s latest album, Hushed and Grim, was released on October 29, 2021.

Mastodon is a constantly maturing, ever evolving band. Aging like fine wine, their past of fast tempo thrash is in the rear view and the monstrous doom aesthetic has taken over. The majority of their setlist was made up of five minute plus songs, filled with long airy solos. Reminiscent of a new age Pink Floyd, their unique display of eccentric visuals sucked you into the music. Trippy videos and intense lasers aren’t your typical aesthetics for a metal show but Mastodon is anything but your typical metal band.

Brent Hinds (left), Troy Sanders (middle), Bill Kelliher (right) – Photo by Jennifer Lake

Three of the five instrumentalists on stage also act as lead singers, depending on the song. This gives the band’s catalog a wide variety of songs, each with a unique sound. Each member’s unique voice and vocals echoed around the venue, between the brilliant visuals from the band and proper acoustics of the venue, you became fully engrossed in the act.

“Thank you all for spending your Sunday with us, our friends in Zeal and Order, and the legendary Opeth, but most importantly each and every one of you! So thank you so much. We’ll see you all again very soon!” said bassist and lead singer, Troy Sanders, before going into Blood and Thunder.

After the last notes of the encore played and the band left the stage, Dailor returned to throw out his drumsticks and interact with the crowd one last time. “Look how attractive everyone is in this room! What’s going on here in Houston? Is there something in the water?”
“We love you guys so much! Thank you so much for coming out to the big rock show. It’s been a few years for us.” “We missed you guys so much, the time away was horrible, and we hope that we don’t ever have to do that again. So be safe, love each other, help each other out.” “Thank you so much for coming out and enjoying it with us.” “We love you! We’ll see you real soon! We’re Mastodon! Good night!”