Hushed and Grim

Released in 2021, Hushed and Grim stands as Mastodon's most ambitious and personal work. As their first double album, it spans 86 minutes and serves as a direct tribute to their late manager, Nick John. Sonically, it marks a shift away from the concise, hook-driven structures of Emperor of Sand toward a more expansive, progressive, and atmospheric sound. The album is notable for its lack of a guest appearance by Scott Kelly, breaking a streak that began with their debut. Produced by David Bottrill, the record emphasizes a 'hushed' intimacy alongside 'grim' sludge textures. It features diverse instrumentation, including Jody Sanders on French horn and Kim Thayil on lead guitar. Critics praised the album for its emotional depth and the band's ability to maintain engagement over such a massive runtime, cementing its place as a mature milestone in their discography.