Troy Sanders Reflects on Geezer Butler Collaboration on 'Marrow Deep'

Mastodon bassist and vocalist Troy Sanders has shared what it was like working with a legend of the heavy metal pantheon for the band's upcoming album, "Marrow Deep". Sanders admitted to feeling like a "13-year-old child" again when the group secured Black Sabbath co-founder Geezer Butler to perform the bass intro for the track "The Vanishing".

Speaking to Iain McCallum of I Was Gonna Ask About That, Sanders detailed the journey from a 2005 tour with Sabbath to a dream collaboration. "So for all of us it's just, like, go back in time and say, 'The guy from BLACK SABBATH that writes all the lyrics, he's gonna be on your album.' So not just my head would've exploded, but all five of us," Sanders laughed. The recording was completed remotely, with Sanders noting that the track remains the definitive bass highlight of the record.

The highlight wasn't me. It's really cool to say that.

"Marrow Deep" arrives on August 28 via Loma Vista Recordings. It marks a significant transition for the band as their first full-length without the late Brent Hinds. The record also features a heavy-hitting list of guests, including Randy Blythe of Lamb of God, Joe Duplantier of Gojira, and Clutch's Neil Fallon. While the track was finished remotely, Sanders is hopeful to finally meet Butler face-to-face during upcoming dates in the States to complete the circle.