Mastodon - The Making of 'Emperor of Sand' | Part 9

The whole 'they're dad rock dumbing it down to be more radio friendly' criticism they throw at this band really has no basis. Look at how much of themselves they put into their work. This album, whatever you think of it, comes from a real and honest place. Metal snobs keep saying they sold out, I say selling out would be catering to what people want because it's financially safer, instead of doing what they feel they must do.

"whether it's for joy or sadness tears are stronger than anything" You just made me stronger. Thanks.

Damn it, Mastodon. You all have no idea what you guys mean to some people. Thanks you guys, sincerely.

Love how serious the subject matter is, yet we have Troy being funny sitting in a hot tub in full clothes

I lost my mom to cancer and my daughter to murder. this band and album mean so much to me. I can't wait to get it.

I lost my grandfather almost a month ago. He wasnt sick. Just turned 81 6 days before it happened. He got up that night sweating and sat down on the couch and my grandma found him hours later sitting upright gone. Ive lived in his house my entire life. But they are snowbirds for the last 8 years so when he was home for the 6 months i spent so much time with him and even when he came home for his jobs he was still working. I made sure I spent that time. I spoke to him 3 times a day on the phone so I have no regrets however, it is beyond me at this point in time that it could ever happen. He was on borrowed time I was told. He was 100% blocked in his heart back in june and had stents done but they said it wouldnt be enough. He never came off as run down or sick. He was a tough bastard. Death is such a strange thing, its like a fucked up magic trick. One minute the person is here the next they are gone and you can never speak to them again. This album came out right at the perfect time for me. I can not tell you how much I appreciate it. Listening to it getting lost on my own journey while trying to figure out what happened, its helped me out. Thank you guys.

Roots Remain has really great lyrics. Especially the part where Brann sings the "and when you sit in picture me" part. It's so powerful and it makes my hairs stick up.

Roots Remain, favorite track, absolute gem. The dynamics in the bridge and Brann's voice. I am sorry that was my post, regarding its fruition.

Okay. That's it. These guys are my favorite band ever. I'm a big 42 year old guy and this video reduced me to tears. The humanity, the heart, the humbleness and the friendship this band exudes can only be summed up in one word, integrity. These guy's have integrity. Bless you Bill and Troy and thank you Brent and Brannon. This album is your master work. Bravo gentlemen.

Emperor of Sand is the definition of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...probably one of the best albums I had the pleasure to hear

The best part of your "The making of Emperor of Sand" series. And the best album you ever wrote, thank you, Mastodon.

I can totally relate. I'm 21 and was just diagnosed with Heart Failure. I can relate to this because life does throw those curve balls. That happened right around when they announced this album. This gave me a reason to fight through and persevere like Troy said. This helped me and I can say that I am happy for that. Thanks Mastodon.

Regardless of what the haters say Mastodon is still one of the best metal bands of all time.

Now THIS is some god damn friendship right here. Being so understandable and supportive towards others in such difficult times. Mastodon everybody.

I don't understand people who dislike videos such as this one...

I lost my mom when i was 12, she died of breast cancer, so did my grandma this year. The part when they sing about "And when you sit and picture me/Remember sitting in the sun and dancing in the rain" just breaks my heart, Seeing them wither away is a really sad thing, but we always hold dear the memories they shared with us and that's the message i guess, remember them as they were in their roots. For me this is the greatest mastodon song, best album in years

My Mom died years ago when I was 19. I feel Bill's pain and everyone else who has to deal with cancer of a loved one. People who want Mastodon to keep making records like the early ones need to get over it. I love the early stuff but this record is just as good. You can't make the same records you made in your 40s that you made in your 20s because you are a different person with different experiences. I believe that Mastodon will be one of the few bands to age gracefully in the metal genre which is no easy feat.

Fav song on the album, you know it's special when you feel the soul of the band in it

Brent's solo at 7:37...damn. That's the blues right there.

This shit is real. Those dudes do this for the right reasons. I didn't know this, and then I found out about Brent's brother during the making of "The Hunter" and about Brann and who Skye was, and then I played those records. Powerful stuff! It's so different when you know these things...