Brent Hinds Leaves Mastodon After 25 Years—The End of an Era for Progressive Metal

In a move that feels like a tectonic shift in modern metal, Brent Hinds has officially parted ways with Mastodon after 25 years of defining and redefining the boundaries of progressive sludge.

The band confirmed the departure in a statement, calling it a ‘mutual decision’ while assuring fans that their 2025 touring plans remain intact.

Mastodon’s statement reads:

“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways.
We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon. As we move forward, all 2025 touring plans will remain intact. We look forward to seeing you on the road. – Mastodon”

Hinds’ departure marks the end of a crucial era for Mastodon. Since co-founding the band in 2000, his distinctive, Southern-fried guitar work and unpredictable, psychedelic-tinged style have been at the heart of their evolution—from the crushing ferocity of Remission to the conceptual grandeur of Crack the Skye and beyond. His ability to seamlessly shift between brain-melting technicality and bluesy, melodic weirdness gave Mastodon a voice unlike any other in metal.

While no specific reason has been given for the split, Hinds has never been shy about his complicated relationship with Mastodon’s relentless touring schedule. In past interviews, he’s spoken candidly about the physical and emotional toll of life on the road, even describing it as ‘a f**king prison sentence’ at times.

Though this marks the end of his Mastodon chapter, Brent Hinds isn’t the type to disappear quietly. Between his honky-tonk punk project West End Motel, the surf-rock oddities of Fiend Without a Face, and his unpredictable solo ventures, there’s little doubt he’ll keep making music—on his own terms.

What’s next for Mastodon?
The band is pressing forward, with their 2025 tour plans still intact. Whether they’ll recruit a new guitarist or shift into a three-piece remains to be seen. Either way, Mastodon has built a career on evolving in the face of loss—whether it was the tragic passing of manager Nick John or past creative shakeups.

One thing is certain: Mastodon won’t be the same without Brent Hinds.