Brent Hinds, Former Mastodon Guitarist, Dies at 51

Brent Hinds, co-founder and longtime guitarist of Grammy-winning metal band Mastodon, has died following a motorcycle accident in Atlanta on August 20. He was 51.

Authorities confirmed that Hinds’ Harley-Davidson was struck by a vehicle that failed to yield at an intersection. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

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Hinds formed Mastodon in 2000, helping shape the band’s distinctive mix of heavy sludge, progressive rock and psychedelia. Across more than two decades, he contributed to all eight of the group’s albums, including Leviathan (2004), Blood Mountain (2006), and the Grammy-winning Emperor of Sand (2017).

Earlier this year, Hinds and Mastodon announced they were parting ways after 25 years together. While he had moved on to new projects, his influence on modern heavy music remained undeniable.

Mastodon released a statement saying they were “heartbroken, shocked and still trying to process the loss of this creative force,” asking for privacy for Hinds’ family, friends, and fans during this difficult time.

Hinds had recently been preparing to tour with his side project Fiend Without a Face. He will be remembered as a singular voice and guitar innovator whose music left an indelible mark on heavy music.