Mastodon Album, Emperor of Sand, Lands No. 7 Spot on Billboard Charts

Mastodon's latest release, "Emperor Of Sand", has landed at position No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart.

This marks Mastodon's third Top 10 album, following 2014's "Once More 'Round The Sun" (No. 6) and 2011's "The Hunter" (No. 10). "Emperor Of Sand" is also the top-selling album of the week, and bows at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart.

Mastodon recorded "Emperor Of Sand"t The Quarry Recording Studio in Kennesaw, GA. The band enlisted producer Brendan O'Brien (PEARL JAM, NEIL YOUNG, AC/DC, RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE) to record the new effort.

Mastodon will kick off a spring U.S. headlining tour on April 14th, with support from Eagles of Death Metal and Russian Circles.

"'Emperor of sand' is like the grim reaper," says drummer/vocalist Brann Dailor. "Sand represents time. If you or anyone you know has ever received a terminal diagnosis, the first thought is about time. Invariably, you ask, 'How much time is left?'"

"We're reflecting on mortality," adds bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders. "To that end, the album ties into our entire discography. It's 17 years in the making, but it's also a direct reaction to the last two years. We tend to draw inspiration from very real things in our lives."