It’s a sad day for Mastodon fans. After 25 years together, the progressive metal outfit Mastodon has announced that they will be parting ways with lead singer and vocalist Brent Hinds.
His departure will mark the first time the band has experienced a lineup change in 25 years. The original lineup of the Leviathan hitmakers included Hinds, Troy Sanders, Brann Dailor, and Bill Kelliher and remained so since the band’s inception in 2000. Eric Saner was briefly the band’s lead vocalist in 2000.
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The announcement of Hinds’ departure came on March 7 via a statement released by the band on their social media pages.
“After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways,” the statement 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.”
Fans of Mastodon on Facebook are, naturally, shocked by Hinds’ sudden departure.
“Never would’ve predicted this,” said one fan in the comments of Mastodon’s statement on Facebook. “Truly the end of an era.”
“You were the kings because of lineup stability!!!” said another.
“It’s too early for an April Fool’s Day joke, guys…” said another fan. “You posted this three weeks early, right? Right? Please?”
Why is Brent Hinds Leaving Mastodon?
It is not abundantly clear why Brent Hinds is leaving Mastodon after decades with the band. The remaining members of Mastodon have not given a reason, nor has Hinds revealed any telling details on his social media pages. However, the departure seems amicable, given the positive and friendly tone of the statement mentioned above. There’s a good chance the departure was a mutual decision.
Some fans are speculating in the comments of that statement on Facebook, with some noting that Hinds seemed to be “on his own journey on his Instagram posts.”
According to the band’s statement, the remaining members of Mastodon seem set on continuing with the band. They will continue touring throughout 2025, but what will come of the band once their current tour plans wrap up is unknown. Mastodon has also not revealed any information about a potential new lead singer.
We wish Brent Hinds nothing but the best in his future projects.
Photo by Aldara Zarraoa/Redferns
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