Mastodon are one of the most important active bands in heavy music, and this year they will be turning 20, an anniversary they plan to commemorate with a just-announced rarities compilation, cleverly titled Medium Rarities. The 16-track collection will assemble cover songs, soundtrack contributions, instrumentals, live recordings and previously unreleased originals including the LP’s lead single, “Fallen Torches.” Originally planned to be released in conjunction with a European tour, the track was delayed after the death of the group’s long-time manager Nick John, to whom they paid tribute with the Led Zeppelin cover “Stairway to Nick John.” Finally seeing the light of day, “Fallen Torches” is a all-out rager boasting guest vocals from Mastodon’s frequent collaborator Scott Kelly of Neurosis.
Medium Rarities is due out on September 11th, with a pink vinyl 2LP edition is set for release later, on October 16th. The album is available for pre-order now along with a gratis download of “Fallen Torches.” Check out the cover art and track listing below.
Mastodon fans, look out for even more coming soon: Another new song, “Rufus Lives,” will be included in the highly anticipated upcoming movie Bill & Ted Face The Music.
Medium Rarities track listing:
1. Fallen Torches (Previously Unreleased)
2. A Commotion (Feist Cover)
3. Asleep in the Deep (Instrumental version)
4. Capillarian Crest (Live)
5. A Spoonful Weighs A Ton (The Flaming Lips Cover)
6. Toe To Toes (Instrumental version)
7. Circle of Cysquatch (Live)
8. Atlanta (Butthole Surfers Cover)
9. Jaguar God (Instrumental)
10. Cut You Up With A Linoleum Life (Aqua Teen Hunger Force)
11. Blood & Thunder (Live)
12. White Walker (from Game of Thrones mix tape)
13. Halloween (Instrumental version)
14. Crystal Skull (Live)
15. Orion (Metallica Cover)
16. Iron Tusk (Live)
