Former Mastodon Guitarist Brent Hinds Dies Motorcycle Crash Atlanta

Brent Hinds, the founding guitarist and vocalist of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, tragically died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta at age 51 after a BMW SUV failed to yield at an intersection. Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 and was instrumental in shaping their unique blend of sludge, progressive metal, and poetic storytelling across eight studio albums, including the acclaimed Emperor of Sand. Earlier in 2025, Hinds parted ways with Mastodon after 25 years with the band, reportedly under difficult circumstances. The music community has responded with profound grief and tributes, with fellow musicians such as Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth and members of Queens of the Stone Age honoring his creative spirit and influence. Mastodon released a heartfelt statement expressing their shock and sadness, highlighting Hinds' impact on their music and the metal scene at large. His legacy endures as a boundary-breaking artist whose work touched countless fans worldwide.