Mastodon Co-Founder Brent Hinds Leaving the Band After 25 Years

After co-founding Mastodon in Atlanta in 2000, guitarist/singer Brent Hinds has announced his exit from the metal band 25 years later.

The group shared the news Friday (March 7) on social media, describing the decision as mutual.

“Friends and Fans, After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” the post reads. “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.”

The four-man lineup of Hinds, bassist/singer Troy Sanders, guitarist Bill Kelliher and drummer/singer Brann Dailor had remained unchanged since 2001, until Friday’s announcement.

Among nine Billboard 200-charting albums, Mastodon has landed three in the top 10 of the all-genre chart: 2011’s The Hunter, 2014’s One More ‘Round the Sun and 2017’s Emperor of Sand, with the latter two both hitting No. 1 on Top Rock Albums. From six Grammy nominations, the band has taken home one win: best metal performance for “Sultan’s Curse” in 2018.

Mastodon is set to perform at Tool Live in the Sand this weekend in Punta Cana, Mexico, alongside Tool, Primus, Coheed and Cambria, Eagles of Death Metal and more hard-rock acts. They have tour dates scheduled through August.

Find the band’s full announcement below: