The metal community is mourning the loss of Brent Hinds, former guitarist and vocalist of MASTODON, who was reportedly killed in a motorcycle accident in southeast Atlanta, Georgia, on Wednesday night (August 20). He was 51 years old.
According to Atlanta News First, the Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirmed Hinds’s death. An incident report from the Atlanta Police Department stated that officers responded to a collision at the intersection of Memorial Dr. SE and Boulevard SE at approximately 11:35 p.m.
Police noted that Hinds had been operating a Harley Davidson motorcycle when the crash occurred. A BMW SUV, driven by a female motorist who remained at the scene, reportedly failed to yield while turning left and collided with Hinds’s motorcycle. He was pronounced dead by medical personnel shortly after officers arrived. The APD Accident Investigations Unit continues to investigate the circumstances of the collision.
Rumors of Hinds’s passing began circulating online early Thursday (August 21) after TOOL guitarist Adam Jones shared an image of Hinds in an Instagram Story.
A Legacy With MASTODON
In March 2025, MASTODON announced that they and Hinds had “mutually decided to part ways” after 25 years together. As one of the founding members, Hinds was central to MASTODON’s sound, sharing guitar and vocal duties with Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher.
The group’s lineup remained unchanged for a quarter-century, producing eight studio albums, from 2002’s Remission to 2021’s Hushed And Grim. Over their career, MASTODON earned nine Billboard 200-charting albums, six Grammy nominations, and one Grammy win for “Sultan’s Curse” in 2018.
When announcing his departure earlier this year, the band wrote:
“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, MASTODON and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors.”
Following his exit, Hinds quickly returned to live performance, taking the stage with his project FIEND WITHOUT A FACE on March 21 at 529 in Atlanta.
Remembering Brent Hinds
Born in Alabama, Hinds became known for his inventive guitar work, blending sludge, progressive, and psychedelic influences into MASTODON’s heavy yet experimental sound. Beyond his contributions to the band, he also pursued several side projects, including West End Motel and Fiend Without a Face, showcasing his eclectic musicianship.
The loss of Hinds marks a devastating moment for the metal community and fans worldwide, many of whom are remembering him as a unique player, songwriter, and personality who helped redefine heavy music in the 21st century.
The investigation into the accident remains ongoing.
