Mastodon hadn't released a full length studio album since 2009's 'Crack the Skye,' but as of June 29, the prog-rock group from Atlanta return with a brand new soundtrack for the film 'Jonah Hex.' Titled 'Jonah Hex: Revenge Gets Ugly,' the six-track EP was produced in collaboration with Oscar-nominated composer Mario Beltrami, whose previous work includes scores for '3:10 to Yuma' and 'The Hurt Locker.' As Noisecreep reports, it turns out that 'Jonah Hex' director Jimmy Hayward is a big fan of Mastodon's 2006 album, 'Blood Mountain,' and personally requested that the band compose the score for his film. And, according to Paste Magazine, the group decided to accept the offer "for virtually nothing."
As you'd expect from a group like Mastodon, many of the songs are rich with complex textures, and are full of electric force. In essence, it's the kind of soundtrack that seems perfectly tailored to a movie like 'Jonah Hex.' And, considering the unique way that Mastodon went about recording the new album, it's not surprising.
The band actually began working on the soundtrack with composer John Powell, but had to change direction midstream, as Powell left to fulfill previous obligations for other films. As lead singer Brent Hinds told New York Magazine, when Beltrani stepped in, the composer "went in a different direction," and brought a more "subtle, restrained approach to the album." Mastodon and Beltrani also reportedly recorded the album while watching scenes from the movie, which is based on a comic series from DC Comics.
Among the tracks on the new EP are 'Death March,' 'Clayton Boys,' 'Indian Theme' and 'Train Assault.' Check out the full track listing for Mastodon's new album below, and to hear a selection of songs from the album, including 'Jealous Again' and 'Morning Song,' head over to AOL Radio's Rock Instrumentals station.
Mastodon, 'Jonah Hex' Soundtrack Track Listing:
1. 'Death March' (film version)2. 'Clayton Boys' (film version)
3. 'Indian Theme' (film version)
4. 'Train Assault' (film version)
5. 'Death March' (alternate version)
6. 'Clayton Boys' (alternate version)
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