Mastodon lead guitarist and singer Brent Hinds has announced he has left the band after 25 years.
The Atlanta metal band shared the news on Instagram on Friday (March 7), revealing that the decision was mutual and that they would be continuing with their live plans as previously scheduled.
“Friends and fans, after 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” they said. “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.”
Hinds formed the band with bassist/singer Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/singer Brann Dailor in 2000, with the line-up remaining unchanged ever since.
They released their eighth and most recent album ‘Hushed And Grim’ in 2021, a sprawling 86-minute double album that included the singles ‘Sickle And Peace’, ‘Pushing The Tides’ and ‘Teardrinker’.
The band are set to play at Tool In The Sand, a destination festival organised by Tool in the Dominican Republic this weekend, alongside the likes of Primus, Coheed And Cambria, Eagles Of Death Metal, CKY, King’s X and more.
They were also named on the stacked line-up for the final Black Sabbath show at Villa Park in Birmingham, which is happening on July 5. Dubbed ‘Back To The Beginning’, it will also see performances from Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Anthrax, Lamb Of God, Alice In Chains, Halestorm and recent Grammy-winners Gojira.
Mastodon are also one of the supports announced for a pair of Slayer shows in July in Cardiff and London, as well as Amon Amarth, Anthrax, Hatebreed and Neckbreakker.
