Mastodon’s fifth album, *The Hunter*, marked a deliberate shift away from the elaborate concept-album approach of *Crack The Skye*. The band embraced greater melody, simpler and more instinctive songwriting, and a wider range of textures while retaining its progressive-metal identity, helping it avoid repeating a successful formula.

The album replaced much of the previous record’s dense, oppressive riffing with catchy choruses, grooving basslines, energetic drumming, atmospheric effects and psychedelic touches. Mastodon recorded it in just six weeks between Los Angeles and Atlanta, motivated by a busy festival schedule; the band described the songs as urgent, less meticulously refined and shaped by their desire to leave their comfort zone.