Mastodon announced Friday that the band and guitarist Brent Hinds, who co-founded the Atlanta metal act a quarter-century ago, have parted ways.
“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” the band wrote on social media.
“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. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon.”
Mastodon formed in 2000 with Hinds serving as lead guitarist and vocalist alongside bassist/singer Troy Sanders, drummer Brann Dailor, and rhythm guitarist Bill Kelliher. That lineup recorded eight studio albums together over the past 25 years, beginning with 2002’s Remission until their most recent LP, 2021’s Hushed and Grim.
2004’s Leviathan was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time, and the group won their first Grammy in 2018 for Best Metal Performance for “”Sultan’s Curse.”
In September 2024, Mastodon and Lamb of God teamed up for the new single “Floods of Triton,” which currently serves as Hinds’ last recording with the group. Earlier this week, Mastodon’s Sanders, Dailor, and Kelliher appeared at the Metropolitan Opera to discuss Leviathan and the opera Moby-Dick – both based on Herman Melville’s work – with Hinds absent from the panel:
No reasons for the departure were given, but the band added that Hinds’ exit wouldn’t impact their previously announced tour dates. “As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road,” Mastodon said.
From Rolling Stone US
