Brent Hinds, the former lead guitarist of the renowned metal band Mastodon, died in a motorcycle accident late last night in Atlanta. The incident occurred at approximately 11:35 PM, and while details remain disputed, the news has sent shockwaves through the music community. Hinds became well-known for his trailblazing work on Mastodon. He formed the progressive metal band with Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor when they first co-founded the group in 2000.
Mastodon initially turned heads with their first album, 2002’s “Remission.” Their singular sound melded progressive rock, alt and grunge. This unique combination made them one of the few major prog bands to emerge out of the heavy metal scene. Their next album, “Leviathan,” pushed the band further into the mainstream. In doing so, it foreshadowed their culture-altering ascension that would catalyze their dominance—the metal music scene’s most expansive, implicit influence.
For his untouchable musicianship, Hinds gained praise far and wide. Coincidences aside, he showed up in that other great HBO adaptation—“Game of Thrones”—in a memorable fifth season cameo as a “wilding.” His continuous contributions to the world of music and popular culture have made an immeasurable impact.
Earlier this year, Hinds and Mastodon both reported that they’ve amicably decided to go their separate ways. The split followed Hinds’ public challenge of the terms of his dismissal from the group. Band members offered conflicting accounts after the exit. He wrote about being kicked out and called his ex-bandmates “bad people.” In a 2009 interview with The Guardian, Hinds offered a glimpse into his hopes for Mastodon’s legacy. He stressed that is the kind of direction I’ve always dreamed us going in. “I never wanted us to be this screaming, lumbering, lotsa-drum-solos band; I always wanted us to be this heavy, psychedelic thing.”
After hearing of Hinds’ fatal accident, Mastodon shared their condolences in an emotional message shared on Instagram. The band shared their sentiments with fans and loved ones:
“We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones, and the creation of music that has touched the hearts of so many.” – Mastodon
As the case surrounding Hinds’ accident develops, both facts and commentary early on have pitched narratives about what happened and why. Fans and fellow musicians are remembering him and reconsidering his contributions. The music community is heartbroken at the loss of such an influential and artistic figure, who created an entire generation of cultural revolutionaries.