A Guitar Legend's Tragic End: Brent Hinds of Mastodon

Brent Hinds, a key figure in the heavy metal scene, has passed away at the age of 51. He was a co-founder of the Grammy-winning band Mastodon and played with them for 25 years before leaving earlier this year. The news of his death was confirmed by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. Hinds died in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta when his Harley Davidson collided with an SUV. The accident happened around 11:35 p. m. , and Hinds was pronounced dead at the scene. The Atlanta Police Department reported that the SUV driver failed to yield while turning left, leading to the collision. The investigation is still ongoing. Hinds co-founded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher, and drummer Brann Dailor. The band announced their separation from Hinds in March, wishing him success in his future endeavors. The band expressed their deep sorrow and shock over Hinds' passing, describing him as a creative force who had shared many triumphs with them. They asked for privacy during this difficult time. Over the years, Mastodon released eight studio albums, including their debut "Remission" in 2002, the mainstream breakthrough "Crack the Skye" in 2009, and their most recent album "Hushed and Grim" in 2021. Hinds had a unique journey to becoming a guitarist. His father made him learn the banjo before buying him a guitar, which led him to practice relentlessly. He once joked about his intense practice sessions, saying he was not masturbating but playing guitar. Hinds also attributed his creative lyrics to his experiences with acid, which he believed enhanced his creativity. Mastodon's album "Leviathan" was critically acclaimed, with Rolling Stone naming it one of the 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. The band's music was known for its surreal imagery and intense sound. Their 2006 album "Blood Mountain" was another success, featuring songs about overcoming obstacles and fantastical creatures. In 2010, "The Hunter" cracked the Top Ten of the Billboard 200, showcasing the band's ability to blend imagination with precision. Mastodon won their first Grammy in 2018 for Best Metal Performance for "Sultan’s Curse. " They earned six Grammy nominations in total. Last September, Mastodon and Lamb of God released the single "Floods of Triton, " which turned out to be Hinds' last recording with the group.