The metal community is reeling from the sudden and tragic news: Brent Hinds, the visionary co-founder and former lead guitarist of Mastodon, has died at the age of 51. According to a report from Atlanta News First, Hinds was killed in an accident on August 20 while 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, leading to the fatal crash. His death was confirmed by the Fulton County medical examiner’s office.

Born William Brent Hinds on January 16, 1974, in Helena, Alabama, Hinds’ unique musical journey began not with a guitar, but with a banjo. This early training profoundly influenced his distinctive guitar style, imbuing it with the hybrid picking and fast, fluid runs that would become his signature.

Hinds moved to Atlanta in the late 1990s, where he first connected with bassist Troy Sanders in the band Four Hour Fogger. This crucial meeting laid the groundwork for what was to come, as the duo soon linked up with drummer Brann Dailor and guitarist Bill Kelliher. From this potent partnership, Mastodon was officially born in 2000. Hinds initially stepped into the dual role of lead guitarist and co-vocalist after the band’s original singer departed, cementing his foundational role in the group.

With Mastodon, Hinds was a driving force behind the band’s acclaimed sound, which pushed metal into exhilarating new directions. Their music masterfully blended elements of sludge, progressive rock, and Southern rock. Hinds’ banjo-inspired phrasing and unconventional riff structures gave Mastodon a sound unlike any of their contemporaries, earning him widespread recognition as one of metal’s most innovative players.

Beyond his monumental work with Mastodon, Hinds was known for his diverse and eclectic side projects. These included the surfabilly-tinged Fiend Without a Face, the rootsy West End Motel, and the supergroup Giraffe Tongue Orchestra. His collaborations and guest appearances further showcased his remarkable range, with credits on tracks by bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, CKY, and Legend of the Seagullmen. Hinds even made cameo appearances in popular culture, including roles in Game of Thrones and Jonah Hex.

While his contributions to Mastodon’s catalog and his genre-bending guitar style remain central to his musical legacy, Hinds’ relationship with his bandmates was sometimes described as turbulent. In March, Billboard reported that Mastodon had “mutually decided to part ways” with Hinds, although Hinds himself stated he was kicked out. Source also states that Hinds parted ways with Mastodon in 2025, closing a landmark era in metal history.

The passing of Brent Hinds leaves an immense void in the metal landscape. His unforgettable contributions to music and his unique artistry will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of musicians.