Mastodon is back with a new track titled In the Ruins. This release marks the third single from their upcoming album titled Marrow Deep. The song carries significant weight as it reflects on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024. The storm flooded the home of singer-bassist Troy Sanders and forced his family into displacement for two years. This personal struggle informs the emotional core of the record.
The music leans into a dynamic rock sound that balances Southern rock influences with harmonized guitar parts reminiscent of Wishbone Ash. For the majority of the duration, the track remains atmospheric with muted vocals before building to an explosive chorus. It is a departure from their heavier work, allowing the composition to breathe until the high-energy peaks take hold.
The official video features an animated character named Frank, a disembodied eye wandering through a robotic landscape. The animation studio Hey Beautiful Jerk handled the visuals for the release. The concept for the video originated from a personal experience involving a painful eye infection, which inspired the artist to sketch a character that feels like it is trying to break free. It serves as a visual metaphor for the themes of loss and recovery found in the music.
Fans can look forward to the full album release on August 28. In support of the record, the band starts their Poisoned Weapons tour on September 16. The tour includes support from Deafheaven and Alcest and continues through late October. You can stream the new single now as the band prepares for these upcoming live performances.