by Late Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds’ candid thoughts about heavy metal and his former bandmates have resurfaced from a 2015 interview. The comments reveal his complicated relationship with the genre that made his band famous. The original interview was published in Guitar Player.
Hinds openly discussed his distaste for heavy metal in the interview. He explained how it affected Mastodon’s musical 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.”
The guitarist explained how meeting his bandmates changed the band’s trajectory. This happened despite his personal preferences.
“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.”
Hinds emphasized the collaborative nature of the band’s approach to resolving conflicts despite these creative differences.
“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?”
Hinds described how the band found a compromise that satisfied all members’ musical preferences.
“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.”
The guitarist concluded by praising his former bandmates and their collaborative approach to music-making.
“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.
Hinds’ comments reflect a broader evolution in Mastodon’s sound that has been evident throughout their career. The band’s musical journey demonstrates how creative compromise can lead to innovation rather than conflict. Unfortunately, Hinds was fired from Mastodon before his passing due to the motorcycle accident.
Premier Guitar reported that Mastodon’s sound evolution reflects this compromise. The band moved from their early speed and sludge metal roots towards a more layered and melodic style. Albums like Blood Mountain (2006) have been praised for blending aggressive riffs with intricate harmonies. They strike a balance between heaviness and musicality through Brent’s melodic 12-string guitar work alongside Bill Kelliher’s heavier rhythm parts.
The band’s ability to navigate these creative differences has been crucial to their longevity and success. Simply Stick noted that Mastodon has become masters of metal evolution. They continuously adapt their sound while maintaining their core identity. This adaptability has allowed them to remain relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
Hinds’ background in country music, surf rock, and rockabilly has significantly influenced Mastodon’s unique approach to heavy music. Q94.5 All Rock described Hinds as an innovative mind behind heavy music. His diverse musical influences have helped shape Mastodon’s distinctive sound that transcends traditional metal boundaries.
