Mastodons 2004 album Leviathan established the band as a force in progressive metal, offering a concept loosely based on Herman Melvilles MobyDick. It blends sludge, Southern rock, and thrash with narrative ambition, showcasing uncanny technical precision and thematic cohesion as the band crafts a powerful, immersive listening experience.

Critics recognized Leviathan as a breakthrough, citing its frenetic rhythms, dense songwriting, and atmospheric shifts that evoke the novels bleak oceanic mythos. It earned album-of-the-year honors from outlets like Kerrang! and Terrorizer, and helped Mastodon gain widespread acclaim and a growing fanbase.

Three magazines awarded the album Album of the Year in 2004: Revolver, Kerrang! and Terrorizer. In 2009 and 2015 MetalSucks named Leviathan the best metal album of the 21st century.

Reviews

"Inevitably, Mastodon find their niche as a thinking mans metal band. Blending Voivods neurothrash, Therions majestic gloom, Morbid Angels spirit of restless and morphing liquid black melody, and EyeHateGods Southern rock gone awry, Leviathan is nothing short of supernatural" Pitchfork.

"This is why Mastodon are so important. Their music pulses with passion, with soul. And, ostensibly, this is the raging spirit of Leviathan, savage ruler of the seas, cruising through murky oceanic depths with an exhilarating, teethrattling prowess Mastodons true abilities shine" Drowned in Sound.

"Leviathan, Mastodons second full length album catches the band at a perfect balance between creativity and downright rocking awesomeness" Progarchives.

Review

A1 Blood And Thunder
A2 Seabeast
A3 Iron Tusk
A4 Megalodon
A5 Naked Burn
A6 Aqua Dementia
B1 I Am Ahab
B2 sland
B3 Hearts Alive
B4 Joseph Merrick