Brent Hinds, the renowned guitarist and co-founder of the heavy metal band Mastodon, has died at 51 following a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. The crash occurred late Wednesday night when, according to Atlanta News First, a BMW SUV failed to yield while turning, colliding with Hinds’ Harley Davidson at the intersection of Memorial Drive and Boulevard.
Mastodon shared a statement expressing their “unfathomable sadness,” calling Hinds a creative force and a vital part of the band’s journey. They also asked fans to respect the privacy of his family and loved ones as the rock and metal community mourns his loss.
Remembering Brent Hinds: A Guitar Virtuoso and Creative Force in Heavy Metal
Brent Hinds’ journey from rural Alabama to becoming one of heavy metal’s most distinctive guitarists was anything but conventional. Born on January 16, 1974, Hinds moved to Atlanta in pursuit of a music career, living out of his van for several years while immersing himself in the local scene.
It was during this period that he met future Mastodon bassist Troy Sanders, eventually joining his band Four Hour Fogger before the group dissolved. Soon after, Hinds and Sanders connected with Brann Dailor and Bill Kelliher at a High on Fire show, laying the foundation for what would become Mastodon, one of the most innovative and genre-bending metal bands of the 2000s.
With Mastodon, Hinds helped craft a sound that blended sludge, progressive metal, and psychedelic influences, earning widespread acclaim and a devoted fanbase. Sharing guitar duties with Kelliher and vocals with Sanders and Dailor, he became known for his hybrid-picking technique, melodic solos, and unique approach to songwriting.
Beyond Mastodon, Hinds’ creativity extended to numerous side projects, including Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, and the supergroups Giraffe Tongue Orchestra and Legend of the Seagullmen, showcasing his versatility across genres like surfabilly, classic rock, and experimental psychedelia.
Over his decades-long career, Hinds built a reputation not just for his musicianship but also for pushing sonic boundaries. From composing Mastodon’s contributions to the Jonah Hex soundtrack to collaborating with artists like Ben Weinman, Eric Avery, and Danny Carey, he continuously expanded his artistic reach.
Recognized as one of metal’s most skilled guitarists, he won the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Award for Best Shredder in 2007 alongside Kelliher. His signature Epiphone Flying V and distinctive guitar tunings became trademarks of his style, influencing countless players who followed in his footsteps.