The new record was produced by David Bottrill and follows the band's 2017 album Emperor of Sand. Hushed and Grim was set to contain 15 tracks, making it a substantial new release for a band that had spent several years building its reputation as one of modern metal's most distinctive groups.
The announcement also carried a more personal weight. Some of the songwriting was influenced by the death of Mastodon's longtime manager Nick John, who died in 2018. The album artwork was created by longtime Mastodon collaborator Paul Romano and was also connected to the band's tribute to John.
"Pushing the Tides" arrives as a direct and energetic introduction to the new record. Rather than giving away everything about the album, the single works as a first look at where Mastodon were heading in 2021.
The album also features a contribution from Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil, adding another interesting connection to the heavy music world surrounding the band.
Hushed and Grim was scheduled to arrive on October 29, with "Pushing the Tides" serving as the first public taste of the record.
