Coheed and Cambria and Mastodon

Atlanta's Mastodon, formed in 1999, are influential in American metal, blending genres like stoner, sludge, and metalcore. Known for complex riffs and conceptual albums like Leviathan, they've received Grammy recognition for hits like "Sultan's Curse." Albums like The Hunter and Emperor of Sand showcase their diverse influences. They often collaborate with Neurosis' Scott Kelly and teamed up with Lamb of God in 2024 for "Floods of Triton."

Coheed and Cambria, known for their groundbreaking 2002 debut "Second Stage Turbine Blade," blend progressive rock with elements of emo and post-hardcore. Frontman Claudio Sanchez drives their innovation, preferring originality over trends.