Brent Hinds, the co-founder of the acclaimed heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically passed away on Wednesday at the age of 51. His death was confirmed by Brian Jost Reents, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Investigator at the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. Hinds had been a vital part of Mastodon for 25 years before his departure earlier this year.
According to reports from Atlanta News First, Brent Hinds was involved in a fatal motorcycle accident in Atlanta when his Harley Davidson collided with an SUV. The Atlanta Police Department reported that the accident occurred around 11:35 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found an unresponsive male who had been riding the motorcycle at the time of the collision. Medical personnel pronounced him deceased shortly thereafter.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the driver of the SUV "failed to yield while turning left and collided" with Hinds. The police confirmed that the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Brent Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. Following his passing, the band expressed their grief on social media, stating, “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 with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs and milestones.”
The band also requested respect for Hinds’ family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. Over the course of their 25-year career, the lineup featuring Hinds produced eight studio albums, including their debut Remission (2002), the breakthrough Crack the Skye (2009), and their latest album, Hushed and Grim (2021).
In a 2009 interview with Rolling Stone, Hinds shared insights into his journey as a musician. “My dad’s cool as hell,” he recounted. “But in an asshole move, he made me learn the banjo before he would buy me a guitar.” He highlighted the influence of his family on his music career, explaining how he eventually focused on becoming an exceptional guitarist.
Mastodon’s 2004 album Leviathan received critical acclaim and was named one of Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. The haunting single “Blood and Thunder” also earned a spot on the list of the 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Songs. Hinds once described the band’s early touring experience as a quest filled with personal sacrifices and a fervent desire for adventure.
As a key figure in Mastodon, Hinds contributed to the band's evolution. The album Blood Mountain (2006) was a significant success, transforming self-help themes into a thrilling, sci-fi narrative. Their subsequent album, The Hunter (2010), marked a return to simpler compositions and achieved their first Top Ten placement on the Billboard 200.
In 2018, Mastodon received their first Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance for “Sultan’s Curse,” contributing to a total of six Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Album for their 2017 release, Emperor of Sand.
Brent Hinds leaves behind a rich legacy, having shaped the sound of heavy metal alongside his bandmates in Mastodon. His influence on the music industry and the hearts of fans will not be forgotten. As the band and fans mourn the loss of this remarkable artist, they remember the unforgettable journey of creativity and music that he helped to create.
