Mastodon have released “In The Ruins,” a new preview of Marrow Deep, their highly anticipated first studio album in five years. The record will arrive on August 28, 2026, through Loma Vista Recordings.
The song grew from the devastating consequences of Hurricane Helene and the personal impact the storm had on bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders and his family. Severe flooding damaged their home and destroyed numerous belongings, forcing them to live elsewhere for nearly two years.
That period of displacement coincided with an especially difficult chapter for Mastodon. The band was also navigating the death of former guitarist and founding member Brent Hinds, as well as the loss of Michele Lawrence, the mother of drummer and vocalist Brann Dailor.
Hurricane Helene struck the southeastern United States in September 2024 and caused catastrophic flooding and widespread destruction across several states.
Sanders and his family were among the people directly affected by the storm. Their home suffered severe flooding, while many of their personal possessions were damaged or completely destroyed.
“In The Ruins” emerged from that experience. The song begins with the physical reality of standing among the remains of a damaged home, but its meaning expands toward the emotional consequences of losing people, places and objects connected to a previous life.
Mastodon faced several losses during the creation of Marrow Deep
The displacement experienced by Sanders and his family coincided with a period of profound change within Mastodon. Brent Hinds, one of the musicians who founded the group in Atlanta in 2000, left Mastodon in March 2025. Five months later, he died in a motorcycle accident.
For approximately 25 years, Hinds had formed the band’s central lineup alongside Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders and Bill Kelliher. His guitar playing, vocals and songwriting contributed to every Mastodon studio album released through Hushed and Grim.
Mastodon co-produced Marrow Deep at the band’s West End Sound studio in Atlanta with Patrik Berger and Kurt Ballou.
This production team reflects Mastodon’s refusal to remain inside a narrowly defined musical category. Throughout its career, the band has combined sludge, progressive metal, psychedelia, classic rock and atmospheric experimentation without permanently committing to one formula.
