Photos by Bobby Singh – Gojira is a French heavy metal band formed in 1996 in Bayonne. The band was originally named Godzilla but had to change their name due to copyright issues. The band’s lineup consists of brothers Joe Duplantier on vocals and guitar and Mario Duplantier on drums, alongside Christian Andreu on guitar and Jean-Michel Labadie on bass.
Gojira is known for their unique style which combines elements of progressive metal, thrash metal, and death metal. They are often praised for their technical skill and complex song structures, as well as their environmentally themed lyrics which tackle issues such as pollution and deforestation.
The band gained international recognition with their third studio album, “From Mars to Sirius” released in 2005. It received critical acclaim and showcased their innovative approach to metal, featuring heavily distorted guitars, intricate drumming, and Joe Duplantier’s powerful and aggressive vocals.
Gojira continued to release successful albums such as “The Way of All Flesh” (2008), “L’Enfant Sauvage” (2012), and “Magma” (2016). The latter received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album in 2017.
Throughout their career, Gojira has toured extensively and performed at major music festivals around the world, gaining a dedicated fan base. They are highly regarded in the metal community for their remarkable musicianship, intense live performances, and strong environmental message.
Mastodon is an American heavy metal band formed in 2000 in Atlanta, Georgia. The band consists of members Troy Sanders, Brent Hinds, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor. Known for their complex and progressive musical style, Mastodon incorporates elements of sludge metal, progressive metal, and alternative metal into their sound.
Their critically acclaimed debut album, “Remission,” was released in 2002 and showcased the band’s heavy and technical approach. They gained further recognition with their concept albums, “Leviathan” (2004) and “Crack the Skye” (2009), which explored themes of mythology and spirituality.
Mastodon’s music is characterized by intricate guitar harmonies, complex drum patterns, and intense vocals. They have been praised for their ability to blend heavy riffs with melodic passages, creating a unique and dynamic sound.
Throughout their career, Mastodon has received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations for their albums “Blood Mountain” (2006), “Crack the Skye,” and “Once More ‘Round the Sun” (2014). They have also toured extensively and performed at major music festivals worldwide.
With their innovative approach to heavy metal and their willingness to push musical boundaries, Mastodon has solidified themselves as one of the most influential and respected bands in the genre.
