Mastodon continue to build hype behind their upcoming Marrow Deep album, and this time they’re doing it by previewing a new heavy heartbreaker they call “In the Ruins.”
The track is the third single behind the Atlanta-bred icons’ ninth full-length, following their “Your Ghost Again” tribute to late guitarist Brent Hinds and their “Snakes for Dinner” collab with Queens of the Stone Age’s Josh Homme.
The latest single starts off in a softer, cleaner-driven prog direction, led by a shuffle beat from Brann Dailor and lyrics reflecting upon the aftermath of a disaster (“The warning was imminent from shattered clouds / Violent skies aligning to take us down”). The song does explode into a more metallic back section full of heavy contemplations and a pair of solos from new guitarist Nick Johnston
It’s noted in a press release that the song takes inspiration from the havoc Hurricane Helene wrought upon bassist Troy Sanders and his family in 2024. The storm flooded his home and displaced his family. The theme also connects to the loss of Hinds, who died in the summer of 2025, with the track ultimately being described as “a powerful declaration of resilience and catharsis.”
“In the Ruins” also arrives within a new animated music video directed by Hey Beautiful Jerk, which in part traces the journey of one-eyed being called Frank as he makes his way across said ruined lands. The vid features a few Mastodon-inspired easter eggs and white-tailed allusions to albums past.
“The initial inspiration for Frank and the concept for ‘In the Ruins’ came to me when I was in the ER for 10 hours with the worst eye infection of my life. The pain was so bad it felt like my eye was revolting and wanted to escape my head,” says Hey Beautiful Jerk.
“I had just talked to Brann about the meaning of the song and how it was inspired by his and Troy’s recent losses. The expression ‘picking up the pieces’ came to me and I sketched a very rough version of Frank on my phone, capturing the idea as fast as I could before my eye wanted to escape my face once again.”
As previously reported, Marrow Deep sees release August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings. The album also includes a guest spot from Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler.
The album is available for pre-order in an array of collectible formats. This includes two Revolver-exclusive vinyl variants — on “eco-friendly green blend” and “eco-friendly magenta blend” wax — and an exclusive picture-disc CD. You can order yours, plus an exclusive shirt, from the Revolver shop.
Mastodon launch their North American “Poisonous Weapons Tour” on September 16th in Orlando. Check out the full tour route here.