Medium Rarities cover

Medium Rarities

Mastodon · 2020

70 min · 16 tracks · heavy metal

A sprawling collection of heavy riffs, intricate arrangements, and eclectic instrumentals showcases Mastodon's diverse sonic palette.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Fallen Torches Start here — Opening the album with powerful instrumentation and complex rhythms, this track sets an ambitious tone that encapsulates Mastodon's heavy yet melodic style.
  • →
    Blood & Thunder (live) — This iconic song captures the band's energetic live performance dynamics, showcasing their ability to engage audiences while maintaining technical precision.
  • →
    Orion — Originally a Metallica composition covered by Mastodon, this track highlights their instrumental prowess and ability to reinterpret classic metal influences with a unique twist.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic instrumental exploration experience
  • wave-like pacing with surprises
  • live performances energize the listener
  • intricate details for headphone enjoyment
  • for long listening sessions

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A collection of rarities that offers additional context to the established catalog.
Themes
heavy metal evolution· live performance energy
Career context
Released in 2020, Medium Rarities serves as a companion to Mastodon's established discography, following their acclaimed album Emperor of Sand. This collection includes previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, and covers that highlight the band's evolution since their debut in 2002, reflecting both their heavy metal roots and progressive experimentation.
Stylistic neighbors
Baroness· Opeth· Gojira
New to Mastodon? Find your way in →

Tracklist

  • 1 Fallen Torches Start here 4:23
  • 2 A Commotion 4:15
  • 3 Asleep in the Deep (instrumental) 6:13
  • 4 Capillarian Crest (live) 4:21
  • 5 A Spoonful Weighs a Ton 3:27
  • 6 Toe to Toes (instrumental) 4:28
  • 7 Circle of Cysquatch (live) 3:16
  • 8 Atlanta 3:25
  • 9 Jaguar God (instrumental) 7:55
  • 10 Cut You Up with a Linoleum Knife 1:50
  • 11 Blood & Thunder (live) 3:53
  • 12 White Walker 4:20
  • 13 Halloween (instrumental) 4:38
  • 14 Crystal Skull (live) 3:26
  • 15 Orion 8:15
  • 16 Iron Tusk (live) 2:49

What to play next

Hushed and Grim
Listen next

Hushed and Grim

2021

Continues the exploration of heavy themes and intricate soundscapes from Medium Rarities.
Once More 'Round the Sun
Go back to

Once More 'Round the Sun

2014

Sets up a melodic and dynamic foundation that leads into the eclectic nature of Medium Rarities.
Full Mastodon discography Where to start with Mastodon Artists like Mastodon
heavy metal progressive metal sludge metal

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Blackwater Park

Blackwater Park

Opeth

Shares intricate arrangements and a blend of heavy riffs with progressive elements.

Purple

Purple

Baroness

Features heavy, dynamic instrumentation and a diverse sonic palette reflecting evolution.

Calculating Infinity

Calculating Infinity

The Dillinger Escape Plan

Combines complex song structures and aggressive energy, resonating with Mastodon's intensity.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata