The 25th anniversary year of Mastodon is in full swing, with both Kerry King of Slayer and Rob Halford of Judas Priest expressing their admiration for the veteran band by sharing their favorite Mastodon songs.

Both musicians have a history with the band. Kerry King, as a member of Slayer, has witnessed Mastodon evolve from opening for Slayer on the Unholy Alliance tour to inviting him as a solo artist to support them on their Ashes of Leviathan tour with Lamb of God in 2024.

Meanwhile, Halford has long been one of metal’s greatest champions and has supported Mastodon since their early days.

What Is Kerry King’s Favorite Mastodon Song?

Revolver spoke with both King and Halford as part of a larger promotion for a 25th anniversary collector’s issue dedicated to the band.

During the conversation, King leaned towards the Leviathan breakout track, “Blood and Thunder,” although he admitted that his choice could change depending on the day and time.

“Any given day could yield a different answer, but today I’m going with ‘Blood and Thunder.’ It was a great live song 20 years ago, and still is,” he shared. “The chorus is huge. Always exciting when that one hits live.”

He also mentioned, “‘March of the Fire Ants’ is no slouch either.”

Mastodon, “Blood and Thunder”

What Is Rob Halford’s Favorite Mastodon Song?

No need to worry, Kerry. Rob Halford is giving “March of the Fire Ants” his vote.

“‘March of the Fire Ants’ dialed Mastodon in for me,” said the Judas Priest singer to Revolver. “And, as it is with most bands, your earliest works capture your uncluttered art.”

“Mastodon defined a new era that kept us fans glued to their ongoing singular feats of creativity,” he concluded.

Mastodon, “March of the Fire Ants”

25 Years of Mastodon

Mastodon formed as a four-piece in Atlanta in 2000, featuring bassist-singer Troy Sanders, guitarist-singer Brent Hinds, rhythm guitarist-backing vocalist Bill Kelliher, and drummer-vocalist Brann Dailor.

The group has released eight albums over the past quarter-century, starting with 2002’s Remission and most recently offering Hushed and Grim in 2021. They have been nominated for six Grammy Awards and won the golden gramophone for Best Metal Performance in 2018 with “Sultan’s Curse.”

READ MORE: Bill Kelliher Addresses Nick Johnston’s Role in Next Mastodon Album

The band parted ways with Hinds earlier this year, eventually inviting guitarist Nick Johnston to join them as their touring guitarist. Tragically, Hinds passed away just a few months after leaving the band in a motorcycle accident. Bill Kelliher has stated in previous interviews that work is underway on a new album and that Johnston is contributing.