The Mastodon co-founder left the band back in March
Former Mastodon guitarist and singer Brent Hinds has died. A co-founder of the band, Hinds passed away after being involved in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 51-years old.
“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief,” Mastodon shared in a statement. “Last night, Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time.
The news of Hinds’ death was confirmed by The Fulton County Examiner, via Atlanta News First. A news bulletin from the Atlanta Police Department was released stating that an accident had occurred involving a BMW SUV and a Harley Davidson motorcycle. The Examiner later confirmed that the motorcycle belonged to Hinds, and that he was the one riding it at the time of the fatal accident.
According the accident report, the BMW SVU failed to yield while turning into an intersection, resulting in a collision with Hinds’ motorcycle.
Mastodon and guitarist Brent Hinds mutually agreed to part ways back in March. The announcement was made on the band’s official social media channels. At the time, the band was in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic getting ready to perform at Tool’s destination festival Tool: Live in the Sand at the Hard Rock & Royalton Resorts. Other featured acts for the weekend included Primus, Coheed and Cambria, Eagles of Death Metal, and more.
“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road.”
Brent Hinds was born January 16, 1974, in Pelham, Alabama. Growing up down South, he was exposed to a wide range of music, from country and bluegrass to hard rock and heavy metal. He learned guitar at a young age and became especially skilled in mixing traditional Southern styles with heavier genres. Before pursuing music full-time, Hinds worked in construction and various odd jobs, but his passion for playing and songwriting drove him to chase a career in rock.
After relocating to Atlanta in the mid-90s, Hinds first band was Four Hour Fogger with future Mastodon frontman Troy Sanders. Mastodon would later formed in 1999. The founding members — drummer Brann Dailor, guitarist Bill Kelliher, bassist/vocalist Troy Sanders, and guitarist/vocalist Brent Hinds — came together after Dailor and Kelliher moved from Rochester, New York, and met Sanders and Hinds at a High on Fire concert. The band quickly developed a sound that blended sludge metal, progressive rock, and hardcore influences.
After self-releasing a demo in 2000, Mastodon caught the attention of Relapse Records, leading to their first official release, the “Lifesblood” EP in 2001. This set the stage for their debut full-length album, “Remission” (2002), which showcased their raw, aggressive energy and technical musicianship.
Mastodon’s second album, “Leviathan” (2004), was a turning point, establishing them as one of the most innovative bands in modern metal. A concept album inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, it blended crushing riffs, intricate drumming, and atmospheric interludes. Songs like “Blood and Thunder” and “Iron Tusk” became fan favorites. The album received widespread critical acclaim, winning the Album of the Year award from several major metal publications.
Following the success of Leviathan, Mastodon signed with Warner Bros. Records and released “Blood Mountain”(2006). The album continued their progressive evolution, featuring guest appearances from Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age) and Scott Kelly (Neurosis). It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for the song “Colony of Birchmen.”
Mastodon pushed their sound even further with 2009’s Crack the Skye, a concept album incorporating elements of astral projection, Tsarist Russia, and psychedelic rock. More melodic and expansive than their previous work, it marked a major step in their evolution. Crack the Skye was widely praised and remains one of their most beloved albums.
Their next album, 2011’s The Hunter, took a more accessible approach, with shorter, more structured songs. Featuring hits like “Curl of the Burl” and “Black Tongue,” the album introduced Mastodon to an even wider audience and earned another Grammy nomination.
In 2014, Mastodon released “Once More ‘Round the Sun”, followed by Emperor of Sand (2017), the latter of which dealt with themes of illness and mortality, inspired by personal experiences with cancer. Emperor of Sand won Mastodon their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for “Sultan’s Curse.”
Their eighth album, Hushed and Grim (2021), was their longest and most introspective work to date, a double album influenced by the passing of their longtime manager Nick John. The album explored themes of grief, loss, and renewal, further expanding their musical range.
Mastodon is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential metal bands of the 21st century. Their ability to blend complex, progressive song structures with crushing heaviness and emotional depth has earned them a dedicated global following. Over the years, they have toured with legends like Metallica, Slayer, and Tool, solidifying their reputation as one of modern metal’s most innovative acts.