Mastodon‘s first concept album — based on Herman Melville’s classic novel Moby-Dick — Leviathan represented a massive step in the rising Atlanta band’s evolution, both thematically, musically and commercially. Clean vocals crept into the fold, big-name guests (notably, the group’s “fifth member” Scott Kelly, of Neurosis, made his debut appearance on a Mastodon record) contributed, and the 13-minute opus “Hearts Alive” foreboded progressive things to come. Committed road dogs from the start, the band toured extensively behind the record — which was met with critical acclaim, including an Album of the Year nod from Revolver — opening for Slayer and appearing on 2005’s Ozzfest. Along for much of the ride was Revolver’s creative director Jimmy Hubbard, photographing them onstage, backstage, in their van — a.k.a. “the Fart Box” — and pretty much anywhere else as they logged countless miles and played counteless shows. Below, he shares some of his favorite shots from the era.
