Ex-Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies in Crash

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Brent Hinds, the acclaimed former guitarist and co-founder of heavy metal band Mastodon, has died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.

The crash occurred late on 20 August when Hinds’s Harley-Davidson motorcycle collided with a BMW SUV that reportedly failed to yield during a turn. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene. Local authorities confirmed that the driver of the SUV remained at the site and cooperated with investigators.

Hinds, who helped form Mastodon in 2000, became known for his distinctive playing style, which shaped the band’s unique blend of progressive and sludge metal. Across eight studio albums, including Leviathan, Crack the Skye and Emperor of Sand, Hinds left a defining mark on modern heavy music. Mastodon’s critically acclaimed 2017 record Emperor of Sand earned the group a Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance.

In March 2025, Mastodon and Hinds announced that they had parted ways after 25 years together. At the time, statements described the move as mutual, though Hinds later claimed he had been forced out, voicing his frustration in a social media post. Despite tensions, his contribution to the band’s rise and lasting influence remains undisputed.

Following news of his death, Mastodon issued a statement: “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. 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 who helped define who we are.”

Hinds’s influence extended beyond Mastodon. He also performed with side projects such as Fiend Without a Face and West End Motel, further demonstrating his versatility as a musician.

Tributes from fans and fellow artists poured in across social media, with many highlighting his technical skill, creative vision, and lasting impact on the heavy metal community. Known for both his raw talent and his fiery personality, Hinds was considered one of the most innovative guitarists of his generation.

While his departure from Mastodon had signalled a difficult chapter in his career, his sudden passing has left the rock and metal world in mourning. His legacy as a pioneering guitarist and songwriter is certain to endure.