The Hunter (Mastodon album)

The Hunter is the fifth studio album by American heavy metal band Mastodon, released September 26, 2011, in Europe and September 27, 2011, in North America. It was their first album released through Reprise Records.

The album's title is a tribute to Brent Hinds' brother, Brad Hinds, who died while hunting in late 2010. This loss heavily influenced the overall theme and mood of the album.

The Hunter marked a slight departure from the band's previous concept album formats. While Crack the Skye (2009) told a cohesive story, The Hunter comprised largely individual songs, each exploring its own themes and narratives. The band has described the album as more organic and less structured than their earlier work.

Musically, The Hunter showcases a blend of Mastodon's progressive metal roots with elements of stoner rock, alternative metal, and even psychedelic rock. It's recognized for its diverse songwriting, featuring both aggressive, heavy riffs and more melodic and experimental passages.

The album spawned several singles, including "Black Tongue," "Curl of the Burl," and "Dry Bone Valley." "Curl of the Burl" was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 2012.

The Hunter received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its songwriting, musicianship, and the band's willingness to experiment. It debuted at number 10 on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, becoming Mastodon's highest-charting album to date.