Brent Hinds Reflects on Friendship at the Heart of Mastodon in a Resurfaced Interview

Late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds’ outspoken views on heavy metal and his former bandmates resurfaced from a 2015 Guitar Player interview. His comments highlight the complex relationship he had with the genre that made Mastodon famous.

In that conversation, Hinds made no secret of his dislike for heavy metal and explained how it shaped the band’s direction. “I can barely stomach listening to heavy metal. It makes me ill to hear it,” Hinds said. “I never really liked it in the first place. I came from Alabama playing country music, surf rock, rockabilly, and stuff like that. I just went through a phase in my 20s where I thought it was rebellious to play heavy metal.”

Despite his personal feelings, the guitarist explained how meeting his future bandmates set Mastodon on a heavy metal path.

“And then I met Brann and Bill, and they were really, really, really into heavy metal,” he continued. “And ever since then, I’ve been trying to get Mastodon to not be such a heavy metal band, because I fucking hate heavy metal, and I don’t want to be in a heavy metal band.”

Still, Hinds emphasized that the band prioritized collaboration over conflict.

“Okay, but listen — if there was creative tension, we would just part ways. We don’t thrive on that. We are friends,” he explained. “Friends understand each other. If you have a friend who has a problem, and you’re in an internal situation with him at your job, aren’t you going to try to help your friend work through the problem, and all come to an agreement where everyone can be happy?”

According to Hinds, Mastodon ultimately found a balance that worked for everyone. “That’s what Mastodon has done with my hatred of heavy metal. We just came to a happy medium where we’re all happy with our music,” he said. “I’m happy because it’s not a real heavy metal band, Bill and Brann are happy because it’s heavy enough, and Troy likes all kinds of music, so he was never an issue in that matter.”

Hinds closed the interview by praising his bandmates and their bond.

“Our music didn’t cause tension — it solved problems. I’m a very lucky man to have three other really talented men who are understanding, compassionate, loving, funny, enduring, and super kind,” Hinds said.

His words reflect both Mastodon’s musical evolution and the importance of compromise. Over the years, the band shifted away from their early speed and sludge metal roots into a more layered, melodic sound. Albums such as Blood Mountain (2006) showcased this blend, pairing Brent’s melodic 12-string guitar textures with Bill Kelliher’s heavier riffs. This ability to merge different influences became key to Mastodon’s longevity.

Publications like Premier Guitar and Simply Stick have credited the band’s adaptability as central to their success, while Q94.5 All Rock described Hinds as an innovative figure whose diverse background in country, surf rock, and rockabilly helped push Mastodon beyond traditional metal boundaries.

Although Hinds’ life was tragically cut short following his dismissal from the band and his motorcycle accident, his influence remains deeply woven into Mastodon’s sound and identity.