"This album took my mind to cosmic places," says Mastodon guitarist and singer Brent Hinds of the band's newest magnum opus, Crack The Skye. And when you consider that Hinds says, "My mind's the most cosmic place I could ever visit," this gives you an indication of the expansive musical experience the Atlanta-based progressive metal band have created with Crack The Skye. In this colorful interview, Hinds discusses the band's unique approach to writing and recording. He even recalls a recent near-death experience that "made me a new person and let me tap into my ultimate creativity." For more on Mastodon and the best music news, reviews and tuition, head to www.musicradar.com.