Mastodon

Listening to the rampaging, thematic thrash released by Atlanta-based metal band Mastodon, you might expect the group to be a contemplative, highly conceptual act that astutely personified its sound as a thundering prehistoric creature. But watching the local leviathan’s beer-, fart- and sweat-soaked 45-minute documentary, you begin wondering if throughout the world-renowned group’s ascension the dudes might actually have just tried out whatever because they were drunk. But this is metal, where dudes can be dudes. So if you always imagined Mastodon as four metal-obsessed dudes who love Neurosis, Iron Maiden, KISS, Rush, George Jones and Jack Daniels, then this DVD confirms your beliefs.

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If only in it for the music, the honest truth is the profuse career-spanning performances blend in to a grind bordering tedious. While it’s a trip to see vintage footage featuring ATL locales and locals such as Jim Stacy, this DVD is not essential, unlike Mastodon’s ambitious CDs. It’s an average band story from guys with way-above-average talent. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Mastodon’s name was inspired by a Boba Fett tattoo guitarist/singer Brent Hinds saw on guitarist Bill Kelliher. While drunk, I’d like to believe.