Exploring the cosmic realms solely through self-induced introspection and playing the guitar, Brent Hinds, the innovative force of Mastodon, unlocked territories uncharted in the metal guitar genre - a testament to his pioneering spirit.
Brent Hinds, a renowned figure in the metal guitar genre, tragically passed away at the age of 51 following a motorcycle accident. Born and raised in Alabama, Hinds' journey in music began with the humble banjo before he found his true calling on the electric guitar.
Hinds was best known as the guitarist for the critically acclaimed band Mastodon, where he shaped the band's sound with his unique and unorthodox playing style. His partnership with Bill Kelliher provided Mastodon with a dramatic tension that was both feral and berserker-like, earning him the title of the band's wild card.
One of Mastodon's most celebrated albums, "Crack The Skye," was produced by Brendan O'Brien. The title track was a poignant tribute to Skye, the sister of Mastodon's drummer, who passed away when he was a teenager. Hinds' guitar collection was as eclectic as his influences, including rare and obscure Gibsons like his Silverburst Flying V and Les Paul LP-295 Goldtop, as well as bespoke builds from Kevin Burkett's Electrical Guitar Company and Matthew Hughes of Banker Guitars.
Hinds' musical influences were as diverse as his guitar collection. He drew inspiration from prog rock, metal, psychedelic rock, and country music. Artists such as Neurosis, Melvins, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, and Rory Gallagher all played a part in shaping Hinds' distinctive sound.
"The Curl Of The Burl" from the album "The Hunter," released in 2011, showcased Hinds' versatility. The riff on this track was dropped an octave via a Morpheus DropTune pedal, demonstrating Hinds' ability to pull from a wide range of styles.
Before his tragic accident in 2007, Hinds was primarily known as a founding member of Mastodon. However, his other collaborative projects, such as Giraffe Tongue Orchestra and Legend of the Seagullmen, emerged much later, starting around 2011 and beyond.
Hinds was a guest on records by various bands, including Black Lips, CKY, Zoroaster, and the Marcus King Trio. A particularly poignant performance was their 2020 rendition of Black Sabbath's "Electric Funeral" with Hinds on vocals, which serves as a poignant reminder of his talent and influence.
Despite his success, Hinds remained radically unguarded in interviews, sometimes expressing his discomfort with the volume coming from Kelliher's rig. He was a firm believer in the power of the guitar, stating that pedals were merely a means to an end and that "the players that prove you don't need effects, you just need to know how to play the goddamn guitar" were the most impressive.
Hinds made his mark with the '77 and '78 MKII 100-watt Lead Series Marshall JMPs, but he also worked with Orange on developing a signature guitar amp. His preference was for playing with his fingers rather than a pick.
As we remember Brent Hinds, we celebrate a man who shaped the metal guitar genre, pushed boundaries, and left an indelible mark on the music world. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
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