Brent Hinds, the ex-lead guitarist and co-founder of Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, died after a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.
Atlanta police reported that the accident happened late Wednesday evening when Hinds’ Harley-Davidson motorcycle struck a BMW SUV. Authorities added that the driver of the SUV did not yield as it turned, resulting in the deadly crash. Emergency responders declared Hinds dead on scene at approximately 11:35 p.m. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed later on that he had passed away.
The music community is still in shock following Hinds’ passing. He was a guitarist with a unique sound and a larger-than-life persona on stage, and he was one of the most creative and influential metal guitarists alive today. His riffage and songcraft defined Mastodon’s sound, which blended heavy metal with progressive rock, psychedelia, and grunge.
Mastodon released the following statement on Instagram in a heartfelt post:
“We are devastated, shocked, and still reeling from the loss of this creative spirit with whom we’ve shared so many victories, milestones, and the creation of music that’s touched the hearts of so many. Our thoughts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. In this time, we ask that you respect everyone’s privacy in this trying moment.”
Hinds founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. The Atlanta band released their first album Remission in 2002, which was lauded for its sheer energy and technicality. Two years later came Leviathan, a concept album based on Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick, which made them a staple of the heavy metal mainstream.
Throughout the years, Mastodon gained notoriety by merging pulverizing heaviness with psychedelic, experimental elements. Although most fans and critics called them metal, Hinds himself once disputed the classification. In an interview with The Guardian in 2009, he stated, “That’s the direction I’ve always wanted us to take. I never wanted us to be this screaming, lumbering, lotsa-drum-solos band. I always wanted us to be this heavy, psychedelic thing.”
Hinds’ career was not smooth. Earlier this year, Billboard wrote that Mastodon and Hinds had “mutually decided to split.” But just weeks ago, Hinds publicly challenged that account, claiming he was pushed out and even going so far as to call his former bandmates “horrible humans.” Regardless of the scandal, his influence on the sound and legacy of the band can’t be denied.
Aside from his music efforts with Mastodon, Hinds also appeared in non-music roles. He and his fellow band members made a cameo on HBO’s Game of Thrones as wildlings during the show’s fifth season. The experience is a fan favorite Easter egg both for viewers of the show and band fans.
News of his passing has brought an outpour of tributes from fellow artists and fans around the globe. Heavy metal icon Dave Mustaine of Megadeth, also just announcing his own retirement, extended condolences on social media, calling Hinds a “guitar hero who forged his own path.” Social media sites filled quickly with remembrances praising his contribution to music and lamenting the early loss of an artist cut down too soon.
As the music industry goes on celebrating his legacy, Brent Hinds will not just be remembered for his blazing guitar work but also for the innovation and dedication he devoted to his art. His riffs, melodies, and unapologetic experimentation redefined heavy music for future generations of fans.
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