Tragic Loss of Brent Hinds
Brent Hinds, the co-founder of the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Mastodon, passed away at the age of 51 on Wednesday. His death follows a motorcycle accident in Atlanta, where his Harley Davidson collided with an SUV.
Details of the Accident
Brian Jost Reents, Deputy Chief Medical Examiner Investigator of the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, confirmed the news to Rolling Stone. According to Atlanta News First, the crash took place around 11:35 p.m. The Atlanta Police Department reported that officers found Hinds unresponsive at the scene.
“The male appeared to be operating a Harley Davidson during the time of collision,” the report stated. “Medical personnel pronounced the male deceased.” A preliminary investigation indicated that the SUV driver “failed to yield while turning left and collided” into Hinds, and authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing.
Musical Legacy
Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 alongside bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. Earlier this year, the band announced Hinds’ departure, expressing their gratitude for the years they shared. “We wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors,” they stated.
Band’s Tribute
In their social media announcement following Hinds’ death, the band conveyed their heartbreak: “We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief. Last night, Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident. We are heartbroken, shocked, and still trying to process the loss of this creative force. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends, and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect everyone’s privacy during this difficult time.”
Influential Albums
Throughout his 25 years with the band, Hinds contributed to eight studio albums, including their 2002 debut, Remission, the 2009 hit Crack the Skye, and their latest release, Hushed and Grim, from 2021. Hinds was instrumental in crafting lyrics and music that captivated audiences, with the band’s 2004 album Leviathan lauded as one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time.
In a 2009 interview, Hinds recounted his journey as a musician, sharing, “My dad’s cool as hell, but in an asshole move, he made me learn the banjo before he would buy me a guitar.”
A Lasting Impact
Mastodon’s Blood Mountain (2006) and The Hunter (2010) each received critical acclaim and commercial success. Their first Grammy win came in 2018 for Best Metal Performance for their song “Sultan’s Curse.” The group has garnered a total of six Grammy nominations, including for Best Rock Album for 2017’s Emperor of Sand.
Last September, Hinds collaborated with fellow band Lamb of God on the single “Floods of Triton,” which marked his final recording with the group.
