Sludge-metal band Mastodon [ tickets ] is stalking the North American continent this fall, backing its latest release, "Blood Mountain," with a 21-city tour.

The Atlanta-based quartet, which kicked off its 2006 tour last week in Baltimore, will next hit the stage Wednesday (9/13) in Cleveland, and dates are set through early October.

Fellow metal acts Converge and The Bronx are making the trip with Mastodon, and will offer opening support at all of the outing's upcoming stops.

"Blood Mountain," Mastodon's third studio album and first since signing with the Warner Bros. imprint Reprise Records, shipped to stores Tuesday (9/12). The disc is the followup to 2004's "Leviathan."

The new album is also available in a CD+DVD package, including expanded artwork, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album, a gallery of still images taken during the recording process and a live video of the track "Capillarian Crest."

"This album is a nice collaboration of everybody's character and individuality," singer/bassist Troy Sanders said in a press release. "I always felt we were four unique individuals making up the band, and we've combined to make a meal with wicked ingredients. But most important, everything we do is completely pure and honest."