Mastodon’s Brann Dailor discusses album cover with Skinner

‘Once More ‘Round the Sun’ is due out June 24.

Image Mastodon continues to stoke the fires of anticipation for its upcoming sixth studio album, Once More ‘Round the Sun, in advance of its June 24 release. On the heels of last month’s launch of the leadoff single “High Road,” the band has released a video showcasing the creation of the album’s cover art. Available via Juxtapoz, the short features a conversation between drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor and Oakland-based cover artist Skinner, discussing Dailor’s original vision for the image and the artist’s longtime appreciation for the group.



A special double-LP vinyl version of Once More ‘Round the Sun will feature a quadruple-gatefold jacket, along with four exclusive lithographs of the album artwork and a CD of the album, which was recorded in Nashville with producer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters, Alice in Chains).

In addition, Mastodon has teased a second track, “Chimes at Midnight,” with a 47-second clip of the song’s intro, which recalls the cinematic sweep of the instrumental track “The Sparrow,” from 2011’s superb The Hunter. Fans who preorder Once More ‘Round the Sun at the band’s website will receive an instant download of the song on June 3. Meanwhile, check out a live bootleg of the track.