We’ve just received the next taste of Mastodon’s Emperor of Sand album! The new track “Show Yourself” has just hit and it sounds way different than “Sultan’s Curse.”

With Emperor of Sand, Mastodon have come back to create their first outright concept album since 2009’s Crack the Skye. "It's about going through cancer, going through chemotherapy and all the things associated with that,” drummer / vocalist Brann Dailor tells Rolling Stone. “I didn't want to be literal about it. But it's all in there. You can read between the lines … At the end of the story, the person simultaneously dies and is saved.”

The subject of cancer serves as the main theme for Emperor of Sand, partially due to bassist / vocalist Troy Sanders’ wife being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015. "We're reflecting on mortality," Sanders says. "To that end, the album ties into our entire discography. It's 17 years in the making, but it's also a direct reaction to the last two years. We tend to draw inspiration from very real things in our lives."

“Show Yourself” is one of the poppier tracks in Mastodon’s discography, resembling more of a Once More ‘Round the Sun style while “Sultan’s Curse” has been often compared to Crack the Skye. Sanders is actually hitting some really high notes in “Show Yourself,” pushing the edge of his vocal range with much success.

Check out Mastodon’s “Show Yourself” in the clip above! Emperor of Sand will see a March 31 release date. Click here to pre-order the album.

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