THE BEAST

Former MASTODON guitarist Brent Hinds has ignited controversy with a scathing remark aimed at his ex-bandmates, calling the progressive metal legends a “shit band with horrible humans” in a social media post made earlier today (Wednesday, June 25).

The comment came as a response to MASTODON’s commemorative post celebrating the 11th anniversary of their 2014 album Once More 'Round The Sun . After a fan expressed appreciation for the song “Halloween” and added, “Definitely gonna miss B. Hinds though,” the guitarist didn’t hold back. Using his verified Instagram account, Hinds replied: “I want miss being in a shit band with horrible humans.” The misspelling of “won’t” aside, the message was loud and clear — and venomous.

From 25 Years of Legacy to Public Fallout

Brent Hinds was one of the founding members of MASTODON, serving as lead guitarist and vocalist since the band’s inception in 2000. Alongside Troy Sanders (bass/vocals), Brann Dailor (drums/vocals), and Bill Kelliher (guitar), Hinds helped craft a legacy that includes eight studio albums, a Grammy win for “Sultan’s Curse” in 2018, and tours with icons like IRON MAIDEN, METALLICA, and TOOL.

The band’s last studio album, Hushed and Grim (2021), marked the end of an era. On March 7, 2025, MASTODON officially announced Hinds’s departure in a joint statement, saying the split was mutual and amicable:

“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.”

Today’s outburst from Hinds clearly tells a different story.

Life After MASTODON

Just weeks after his exit, Hinds returned to the stage with his other band, FIEND WITHOUT A FACE, performing on March 21 in Atlanta. Meanwhile, MASTODON forged ahead, enlisting Ben Eller for a special performance at TOOL’s “Tool In The Sand” festival and recruiting Canadian guitar virtuoso Nick Johnston for their spring 2025 tour. Johnston’s impressive resume includes collaborations with PERIPHERY, POLYPHIA, and Guthrie Govan.

In recent interviews, Bill Kelliher reflected on the challenge of replacing someone as unique as Hinds, emphasizing the importance of finding someone who not only plays well but can handle the rigors of band life.

“Nobody plays like Brent. He’s a very, extremely unique player... It’s like being married to three other dudes, traveling the world, trying to stay the course,” Kelliher said to Guitar World . “It was just time.”

Cracks in the Foundation?

While the public statement from MASTODON aimed for diplomacy, Hinds’s latest comment pulls the curtain back on apparent unresolved tensions. No further statements have been issued by the remaining members of MASTODON at the time of this writing.

Hinds's words will undoubtedly spark debate among fans — some of whom have followed the band since their Remission days. Whether this rift is the result of years of brewing tension or something more recent remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the separation is far from clean.

Looking Forward

Despite the fallout, MASTODON continues to march forward. Their Infinite Arc tour with COHEED AND CAMBRIA and PERIPHERY wrapped up successfully earlier this month, and the band has made it clear they plan to uphold all future touring commitments.

As for Brent Hinds, his next moves remain uncertain. But with his trademark unpredictability and raw talent, it’s likely we haven’t heard the last of him.

In the meantime, fans are left to process the emotional whiplash of watching one of metal’s most revered lineups implode — not quietly, but with fire and fury.