Co-founder Brent Hinds set to exit Mastodon after 25 years—Band confirms tour plans will continue

Mastodon has officially announced the departure of co-founder and guitarist Brent Hinds after 25 years with the band. The separation was amicable, and the group released an official statement thanking Hinds for his contributions to their career. Given his pivotal role in shaping their distinctive sound, his exit marks a monumental milestone for Mastodon.

Despite this significant lineup change, Mastodon has assured fans that all dates on their 2025 tour will proceed as planned. Though the band has yet to officially announce a replacement for Hinds, they remain focused on their musical future, live performances, and growth.

Brent Hinds' Contribution to Mastodon

Brent Hinds has been an integral part of Mastodon since their formation in 2000. His intricate guitar work and unmistakable vocal style played a significant role in the band's progressive metal evolution. It further helped them establish themselves as a dominant force in the genre with classic albums such as:

Remission (2002) – Their debut album, where they released their uncut, heavy, and experimental approach.

Leviathan (2004) – A concept album about Moby-Dick, regarded by most as one of the greatest metal albums of the 2000s.

Hushed and Grim (2021) – Their newest release, a very emotive double album concerning loss and transformation.

Hinds' musicianship and songwriting contributions helped define Mastodon’s signature sound, blending sludge metal, psychedelic influences, and progressive rock elements. His departure is a momentous change for both the band and their fans.

The Reason Behind His Departure

Neither Mastodon nor Brent Hinds has provided an official reason for his departure. While speculation points to artistic differences or personal interests, no confirmation has yet been given to support these claims.

Hinds has been involved in several side projects over the years, including:

Fiend Without a Face – A surf-rock and rockabilly-influenced band.

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra - A supergroup featuring members of Alice in Chains and Dillinger Escape Plan.

Legend of the Seagullmen – A side project with Tool's Danny Carey, fusing progressive rock and cinematic narration.

Though his future plans remain unknown, he will likely continue making music in some capacity.

Mastodon's Future Plans and Touring

Mastodon has confirmed that all scheduled 2025 tour dates will go ahead as planned, ensuring fans can still experience the band live. While a replacement for Hinds has not yet been announced, the band is actively searching for a new guitarist for future performances and shows.

Additionally, Mastodon has been working on new material. However, it remains unclear how much involvement Hinds had in the songwriting process before his departure. The band has not yet made an official announcement regarding a new album they are actively working on.

The Band’s Legacy Moving Forward

Mastodon is still one of the most successful metal bands of the past two decades, with numerous achievements, including:

Grammy Awards – Best Metal Performance in 2018 for Sultan's Curse from their album Emperor of Sand.

Critical Acclaim – Albums such as Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack the Skye received critical acclaim for being unique.

Dedicated Fan Base – The sludgy and progressive metal fusion of the band has collected a dedicated fan base globally.

Brent Hinds's leaving of Mastodon marks the end of an era for the band, but Mastodon has ensured that their saga is a long way from its conclusion. The band is committed to their craft, with tour dates scheduled for 2025 and new material in the pipeline.

With Hinds, what his future musical endeavors will hold is uncertain, but given his previous history with side projects and experimentation, it is a bet that he will continue composing music in one way or another. Although his exit does leave a gap in Mastodon's ranks, the group's legacy and influence in the metal community will not suffer.

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