Mastodon Co-Founder and Guitarist Brent Hinds Passes Away

Brent Hinds, co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of Mastodon, died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta on August 20, 2025, at the age of 51. Hinds played a crucial role in shaping the band’s technically rich and experimental progressive metal sound.

Over his 25 years with Mastodon, Hinds contributed not only through his guitar work but also with his vocals and songwriting, helping to establish the band’s distinctive identity. His complex riffs and atmospheric elements set the band apart within the metal scene.

In interviews, Hinds emphasized his approach to music as driven by extensive playing rather than rigid practice: “I don’t do a lot of rehearsing; I play a lot. I see guitar as a game, relying more on experience than practice.” He also cited the influence of his family’s country and bluegrass background, where he learned banjo early on, which indirectly shaped his guitar technique.

Technically, Hinds’ guitar style combined aggressive and melodic elements. His interplay with bandmates, particularly balancing rhythm guitar and solos, was a defining feature of Mastodon’s sound. Bandmate Bill Kelliher described Hinds as “a highly creative and skilled musician with whom we shared many successful years.”

According to police reports, Hinds’ motorcycle collided when a BMW SUV driver failed to yield during a turn in Atlanta, resulting in Hinds’ death at the scene.

Mastodon members released statements acknowledging his lasting contributions to the band and music. Brent Hinds will be remembered as a figure marked by technical proficiency and originality within the metal genre. ✪