Reflections on a New Era Without Brent Hinds
Mastodon is currently deep in the promotion cycle for their upcoming ninth studio album, Marrow Deep. This release marks a significant point in the band history as it serves as the first record crafted without longtime guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds. Hinds left the group in March 2025 and passed away in a motorcycle accident five months later. The loss remains a heavy presence, even as the remaining members move forward.
In a recent interview with Metal Injection, drummer and vocalist Brann Dailor addressed the inevitable question of how Hinds might have received the new material. Dailor and bassist Troy Sanders spoke about the process of shifting to a five-piece lineup that now features musicians Nick Johnston and João Nogueira. They also touched on their upcoming tour with support acts Alcest and Deafheaven, which is slated to span 27 dates across North America this fall.
Hinds’ Potential Reaction and Creative Input
When asked whether they considered how Hinds would feel about Marrow Deep, the band members offered differing perspectives. Troy Sanders admitted the thought had not occurred to him, but Brann Dailor shared a more contemplative response. Dailor suggested that Hinds might not have fully connected with the new tracks, noting that his former bandmate grew weary of heavy music in his final years. He explained that Hinds often attempted to pull the group away from their heavier sound.
Despite this skepticism, Dailor acknowledged the unique mark Hinds would have left on the songs. He suggested that if Hinds were still part of the creative process, he would have contributed his signature style to specific parts of the album. There is an implicit understanding that even without direct creative input, the band is influenced by the memory of their departed friend. This dynamic creates a complex emotional landscape for both the musicians and their listeners.
Navigating Grief and the Future of Mastodon
The album tracks, particularly the lead single Your Ghost Again, address the reality of loss directly. Dailor described the experience of being in the recording studio and feeling the phantom presence of Hinds in his usual corner. He noted that the mind plays tricks in the early stages of grief, especially in familiar environments. The band intends for the record to serve as a piece of support for their fans who are also working through their own experiences of loss and absence.
Troy Sanders echoed this sentiment with a message of gratitude. He described his lyrical contributions to the record as a direct tribute to the time he spent with Hinds. He spoke of the lessons learned and the stages shared during their long career. These songs function as a way to acknowledge the past while the band establishes their current direction as a five-piece unit.
Expanding the Sound and Looking Back
Beyond the emotional weight of the project, Dailor recalled one of the more unusual ideas Hinds pitched to the group. He mentioned that Hinds once suggested the band try their hand at black metal. While the idea was never realized, it serves as a reminder of the experimental spirit that Hinds brought to the table. Mastodon continues to explore new territory, but they do so with a clear acknowledgment of the void left by his departure.
Marrow Deep arrives on August 28, 2026, through Loma Vista Recordings. The band is preparing to start their tour in Orlando on September 16, moving through various cities before concluding in Dallas on October 24. As the band begins this next phase, the focus remains on resilience and maintaining their distinct sound while honoring the legacy that Brent Hinds helped build. The transition into this new chapter is both a professional necessity and a personal hurdle they are clearing in real time.