MASTODON have released a new video for "In The Ruins", a track from their upcoming ninth studio album, "Marrow Deep". The album will arrive on August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings.
The new song is rooted in a particularly difficult period for the band. "In The Ruins" was inspired by the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders and his family, whose home was severely damaged by flooding.
The personal losses experienced by the band during the same period also became part of the emotional landscape surrounding the new record. Rather than focusing solely on grief, however, "In The Ruins" turns those experiences into a song about resilience, recovery and finding the strength to move forward.
The accompanying video was created by animation and VFX studio Hey Beautiful Jerk, longtime collaborators of the band. It follows a strange, one-eyed creature named Frank as he travels through flooded and devastated landscapes, visually echoing the song's themes of loss and rebuilding.
The idea for Frank came from the video's creator while dealing with a severe eye infection. After discussing the meaning of the song and its connection to the band's recent experiences, the concept developed around the idea of "picking up the pieces."
"In The Ruins" is the latest preview of "Marrow Deep", following the previously released singles "Your Ghost Again" and "Snakes For Dinner". The latter features Josh Homme, marking his first appearance on a MASTODON recording since "Colony Of Birchmen" from 2006's Blood Mountain.
The new album was created by founding members Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher, with guitarist Nick Johnston joining the lineup for the record and significant contributions from keyboardist João Nogueira.
"Marrow Deep" draws heavily on themes of loss, life and destiny, inspired in part by the Three Fates of Greek mythology. At the same time, the album promises the massive riffs, adventurous songwriting and emotional depth that have long been part of MASTODON's sound.
The album features 12 tracks:
Barbarians Blood
Poisonous Weapons
Your Ghost Again
Snakes For Dinner
Out Like A Lamb
In The Ruins
They're Coming For You
Golden Spires
Moth And Bone
A Vampire's Demeanor
The Vanishing
The Three Fates
"Marrow Deep" will be released on August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings.
MASTODON will support the album with The Poisonous Weapons Tour, featuring DEAFHEAVEN and ALCEST. The North American run begins September 16 in Orlando and concludes October 24 at Sick New World Dallas.
