Mastodon + Brain Tentacles + Powermad

Virtuoso progressive metal may not be en vogue, but the mighty Mastodon resolutely sticks to its guns (tusks?) on its latest, Emperor of Sand. Its title may sound like a sequel to the classic sci-fi novel Dune, but the record is actually an extended meditation on the trials of cancer, inspired by the experiences of friends and family members, approached with the band's usual array of heavy riffs and brutal technicality. This intimate benefit show at Metro will donate 100% of proceeds to Hope for the Day, a local nonprofit that promotes proactive suicide prevention.