Mastodon is a band that has never shied away from delivering some of the heaviest riffs in metal. The band consists of Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds. The Atlanta-based quartet has been pushing the boundaries of progressive metal, sludge metal, stoner metal and alternative metal since their formation in 2000. Their eight studio albums, from Remission to Hushed and Grim, showcase their diverse and dynamic sound. They are influenced by bands like Black Sabbath, Neurosis, Thin Lizzy, King Crimson and more.

But what are the heaviest riffs that Mastodon has ever written? We asked the band’s guitarists, Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds, to rank their top 10 heaviest Mastodon riffs and explain the inspiration and technique behind them. Here’s what they had to say:

10. Hand of Stone

Hand of Stone is a fast and furious thrash metal-inspired riff that kicks off the song with a bang. It is the tenth heaviest Mastodon riffs.

Bill Kelliher says that they wanted to make a statement with this album, to show that they could play fast and heavy, but also melodic and progressive. He adds that this guitar riff has a lot of palm muting and down picking, and it’s very fun to play live. The riff is from the band’s third album Blood Mountain.

9. Pain With an Anchor

Pain With an Anchor is a slow and sludgy riff that contrasts with the more upbeat and catchy chorus. It is the ninth heaviest Mastodon riffs. Brent Hinds says that this riff was inspired by their love of doom metal, bands like Sleep, Electric Wizard, Candlemass, etc.

He adds that they wanted to create a riff that was heavy and hypnotic, that would drag you down into the depths of despair. He also says that this riff has a lot of bends and vibrato, and it’s very emotional to play. The riff is from the band’s latest album Hushed and Grim.

8. Seabeast

Seabeast is a complex and intricate riff that showcases the band’s technical skills and musical vision. It is the eighth heaviest Mastodon riffs. Bill Kelliher says that this riff was one of the most challenging ones they ever wrote. He also adds that it’s based on the novel Moby-Dick by Herman Melville, which was the concept for the whole album.

Bill Kelliher also says that this riff represents the seabeast, the whale, the monster that haunts the protagonist. He further says that this riff has a lot of odd time signatures, syncopation and harmonization, and it’s very rewarding to play. The riff is from the band’s second album Leviathan.

7. Blood and Thunder

Blood and Thunder is a simple and effective riff that sets the tone for the album and the band’s career. It is the seventh heaviest Mastodon riffs. Brent Hinds says that this riff was one of the first ones they wrote for Leviathan, and it’s one of their most popular and recognizable riffs.

He adds that it’s a riff that anyone can play, but it’s also very powerful and catchy. He also says that this riff has a lot of open strings, power chords and octaves, and it’s very easy to headbang to. The riff is from the band’s second album Leviathan.

6. Roots Remain

Roots Remain is a melodic and atmospheric riff that builds up to a soaring solo by Hinds. It is the sixth heaviest Mastodon riffs. Bill Kelliher says that this riff was inspired by their friend and manager Nick John, who passed away from cancer in 2018.

He adds that he was a huge influence and support for them, and they wanted to honor him with this song. He also says that this riff has a lot of delay, reverb and chorus effects, and it’s very emotional and beautiful to play. The riff is from the band’s seventh album Emperor of Sand.

5. Fallen Torches

Fallen Torches is a heavy and groovy riff that features a guest vocal appearance by Scott Kelly of Neurosis. It is the fifth heaviest Mastodon riffs.

Brent Hinds says that this riff was one of the last ones they wrote before the pandemic hit. He adds that they wanted to make a riff that was catchy and energetic, that would get people moving and rocking out. He also says that this riff has a lot of hammer-ons, pull-offs and slides, and it’s very fun and funky to play. The riff is from the band’s compilation album Medium Rarities.

4. More Than I Could Chew

More Than I Could Chew is a progressive and experimental riff that showcases the band’s evolution and diversity. It is the fourth heaviest Mastodon riffs. Bill Kelliher says that this riff was one of the most adventurous ones they ever wrote.

He adds that they wanted to try something different, something that would challenge us and our listeners. He also says that this riff has a lot of modulation, dissonance and polyrhythm, and it’s very unique and creative to play. The riff is from the band’s latest album Hushed and Grim.

3. Mother Puncher

Mother Puncher is a brutal and aggressive riff that reflects the band’s raw and primal sound. It is the third heaviest Mastodon riffs.

Brent Hinds says that this riff was one of the first ones they ever wrote as a band. He adds that they wanted to make a riff that was loud and angry, that would punch you in the face. He also says that this riff has a lot of distortion, feedback and noise, and it’s very intense and chaotic to play. The riff is from the band’s debut album Remission.

2. Spectrelight

Spectrelight is a fast and furious riff that features a guest guitar appearance by Scott Kelly of Neurosis. It is the second heaviest Mastodon riffs.

Bill Kelliher says that this riff was one of the most exciting ones they ever wrote. He adds that they wanted to make a riff that was fast and furious, that would blow your mind. He also says that this riff has a lot of tremolo picking, tapping and shredding, and it’s very thrilling and exhilarating to play. The riff is from the band’s fifth album The Hunter.

1. Circle of Cysquatch

Circle of Cysquatch is a complex and intricate riff that showcases the band’s technical skills and musical vision. It is the heaviest Mastodon riffs. Brent Hinds says that this riff was one of the most challenging ones they ever wrote. He also adds that it’s based on the myth of the Cysquatch, a creature that has one eye and one ear, and can see the future and hear the past.

Brent Hinds also says that this riff represents the circle of life, the cycle of birth and death. He further says that this riff has a lot of odd time signatures, syncopation and harmonization, and it’s very rewarding to play. The riff is from the band’s third album Blood Mountain.

The Bottom Line

These are the top 10 heaviest Mastodon riffs according to Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds. Do you agree with their choices? What are your favorite Mastodon riffs? Let us know in the comments below. Also don’t forget to check out the band’s latest album Hushed and Grim, which is out now.

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