Mastodon [ tickets ] has chosen acclaimed producer Brendan O'Brien to record the follow-up to their 2006 release, "Blood Mountain." Recording sessions are expected to begin immediately, according to a press release.

The band also is set to tour with the Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival, which kicks off July 9 at White River Amphitheater in Seattle. The 30-date North American outing wraps in late August.