Co-Founder Of Grammy-Award-Winning Heavy Metal Band, Passed Away At 51
Brent Hinds, the co-founder of Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, has died after being injured in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta. He was 51.
The group posted a statement on their Instagram page, “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. 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.”
The statement also revealed that a man riding a Harley Davidson was hit by an SUV at the intersection of Memorial Dr. SE and Boulevard SE in Atlanta around 11:35 p.m. Wednesday. Medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene.
Authorities noted the investigation is still ongoing.
The victim was identified as William Brent Hinds. Records from the Medical Examiner’s office, released Thursday, state he died from multiple blunt force injuries.
Hinds, who played guitar, left the band in March. According to CNN, Hinds appeared to harbor some resentment toward his bandmates following the split, though he never addressed it in detail publicly, aside from a comment on the band’s social media page that was later deleted.
William Brent Hinds (1974–2025) was an American guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the Grammy Award-winning heavy metal band Mastodon. Born and raised in Alabama, Hinds grew up surrounded by Southern rock, country, and bluegrass influences that would later shape his distinct playing style. He was known for his fluid mix of heavy riffs, bluesy bends, and unconventional time signatures. He carved out a reputation as one of the most inventive guitarists of his generation.
Hinds formed Mastodon in 2000 in Atlanta alongside Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher, and Brann Dailor. Over two decades, the band became one of metal’s most critically acclaimed acts. Albums such as Leviathan (2004), Crack the Skye (2009), and Emperor of Sand (2017) showcased Hinds’ unique guitar voice and earned the band worldwide recognition. Emperor of Sand went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance in 2018 for the track “Sultan’s Curse.”
Beyond Mastodon, Hinds pursued a range of side projects that highlighted his versatility, including West End Motel, Fiend Without a Face, and work with various experimental and blues-driven outfits. His eclectic taste and willingness to cross genres made him a respected figure.
Known for his eccentric personality, tattoos, and offbeat sense of humor, Hinds was as memorable offstage as he was in performance.
According to CNN, Mastodon has received six Grammy nominations over the course of their career, winning Best Metal Performance in 2018. The band is perhaps best recognized for albums such as The Hunter, Once More ’Round the Sun, and Emperor of Sand.
They also appeared twice on HBO’s Game of Thrones, taking on cameo roles as wildlings in the episodes Hardhome and The Dragon and the Wolf.