Brent Hinds, the celebrated guitarist and co-founder of Mastodon, has died at 51 following a tragic motorcycle accident in Atlanta.
According to Atlanta News First, the crash occurred on August 20 when Hinds was riding his Harley Davidson. Police reported that the driver of a BMW SUV failed to yield while making a turn at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard, striking Hinds. The Fulton County medical examiner’s office later confirmed his death.
A Founding Force Behind Mastodon
Hinds was best known as the lead guitarist and co-vocalist of Mastodon, the Atlanta-based metal band he co-founded in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor.
The group quickly rose to prominence with their genre-bending approach, blending progressive metal, sludge, and hard rock influences into a sound that redefined heavy music in the 2000s.
Though Mastodon and Hinds parted ways earlier this year, his mark on the band’s identity remained undeniable. In March, Billboard reported the split was mutual, though Hinds maintained he had been “kicked out.”
From Banjo to Heavy Metal Innovator
Born William Brent Hinds on January 16, 1974, in Helena, Alabama, he began his musical journey on the banjo, a foundation that shaped his distinctive guitar style. His hybrid picking technique and rapid, fluid runs became trademarks of Mastodon’s sound, influencing a generation of metal guitarists.
After moving to Atlanta in the late 1990s, Hinds played in the band Four Hour Fogger with bassist Troy Sanders. The two later connected with Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher, forming Mastodon in 2000. When the original singer departed, Hinds stepped up as both guitarist and vocalist, solidifying his role as a driving creative force in the band.
Remembering a Musical Legacy
Over two decades, Mastodon released critically acclaimed albums including Leviathan (2004), Blood Mountain (2006), Crack the Skye (2009), and the Grammy-winning Emperor of Sand (2017). Hinds’ contributions on guitar and vocals were central to their success, blending technical mastery with emotional depth.
Beyond Mastodon, Hinds pursued side projects such as Fiend Without a Face and West End Motel, showcasing his versatility as a songwriter and performer.
A Loss for the Metal Community
Fans and fellow musicians have already begun paying tribute to Hinds online, remembering him not only for his virtuosity but also for his larger-than-life personality and dedication to music.
His sudden passing marks a profound loss for the heavy metal world. As one of the architects of Mastodon’s pioneering sound, Brent Hinds leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of guitarists and fans alike.
Brent Hinds is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans around the globe.
