Mastodon Released Album Containing Fossil Powder
The band launched a limited edition vinyl record containing actual ground-up mastodon teeth.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Metal
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Mastodon has released a specialized Bone Dust Edition of their album Marrow Deep, featuring vinyl records pressed with powder from authentic mastodon teeth. The band collaborated with the University of Georgia geology department to incorporate the fossil material into the 2LP manual press.
Why it matters
The band sought a unique purpose for a collection of mastodon teeth they already possessed, resulting in this highly limited run. The release highlights an unconventional intersection between paleontological material and physical media production.
The limited Bone Dust Edition is restricted to 170 copies and priced at $150 per unit. This 2LP set was manufactured using a manual press process with assistance from the University of Georgia geology department.
The players
Mastodon
Mastodon is a prominent American heavy metal band known for progressive song structures and complex conceptual albums.
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university that provided geological expertise and technical assistance for the record manufacturing.
The details
The production process involved grinding authentic mastodon teeth into a fine powder, which was then pressed directly into the vinyl discs. The band is managing distribution through a raffle system, with shipping limited to residents of the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Timeline
October 12, 2026, at noon is the deadline for fans to sign up for the raffle purchase.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows the established pattern of high-end, bespoke manufacturing within the 2LP manual press market. It reflects a growing trend where artists leverage physical media as exclusive, high-value collectibles to stand out in a digital-first music industry.
Interested fans must enter a raffle by the specified deadline to qualify for the chance to purchase one of the 170 available records. Shipping is restricted exclusively to residents of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The takeaway
This project demonstrates how artists can transform private collections into interactive merchandise that bridges art and science. Collectors should be aware that the limited nature of the release makes participation in the official raffle the only way to secure a copy.
Further reading
Explore the latest developments in the Metal scene for more updates on band collaborations and unique releases.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Exclaim.
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Do you support using historic fossil artifacts in the production of modern consumer vinyl records?
