Mastodon on Losing Brent Hinds and Starting a New Chapter: “As Much as We’re Grieving, We Feel Emboldened”

Exploring Mastodon's journey through loss and renewal as they release their powerful new album “Marrow Deep.”

A Band’s Resilience Amid Heartbreak

When Mastodon announced their new album Marrow Deep, it marked a poignant return after a five-year gap since Hushed And Grim. But this album carries a weight far beyond just music—it’s the echo of deep personal losses and the beginning of a new chapter for the legendary metal band.

The past few years have been tumultuous for Mastodon. The band parted ways with founding guitarist and co-vocalist Brent Hinds in March, a split that stirred tension among members. Then came the devastating news that Hinds tragically died in a motorcycle accident. Alongside this heartbreak, drummer and co-vocalist Brann Dailor also faced the sorrow of losing his mother. Yet through it all, the band channeled grief and heartbreak into Marrow Deep, an album that wrestles with loss but reaches for hope.

Transforming Pain into Art

Brann Dailor opens up about the profound impact of Brent Hinds’ passing, reflecting on the complicated emotions that followed. “It’s hard to explain the pain and the anguish of losing someone in those circumstances,” he says. Despite parting on strained terms, the band had hoped to mend fences with Brent. “I had hope that he was going to come back into the fold,” Brann shares, a hope that was tragically lost.

“There was no scenario where any of us wanted the record to be about any of that stuff, and I’d trade every riff and every lyric to get those people back… but that’s not the reality of it. So the best thing that we could do for ourselves and our mental state was to power through and write about it. ‘Marrow Deep’ is the culmination of that.”

— Brann Dailor

The album became a vessel for their grief, honesty, and ultimately, resilience. It’s a testament to how music can help carry us through the darkest moments, offering a spark of light amid the shadows.

Returning to the Spotlight: Embracing Vulnerability

It’s been a challenging journey back into public life, especially after enduring such personal losses. Dailor reflects on the difficult balance of sharing his story without spilling too much of others’ pain. He recalls the Crack The Skye era from 2009, when he was forced to discuss his sister’s suicide daily—something he dreaded. Yet over time, being open about personal grief forged real connections with fans.

“I guess what we crave is personal connection, and people to connect through music,” he says. “Hopefully the things we leave behind on this earth are things that may be helpful to somebody else.” It’s that raw honesty and shared vulnerability that make Mastodon’s music resonate deeply.

Holding On and Moving Forward

Despite the heartbreak, Mastodon’s spirit is far from broken. Brann emphasizes that losing Brent and his mother has only strengthened their resolve to keep creating and performing.

“I miss Brent. I want him to be here as much as the person who wants him back the most,” Brann admits. “But Mastodon is still very much alive. As much as we’re going through this grieving process, we also feel pretty emboldened because we feel like we still have something very special to say musically.”

His passion shines through as he talks about continuing to write, tour, and yes, even dream up ideas for cool heavy metal T-shirts. The band’s creative fire burns bright.

The Birth of Marrow Deep: From Routine to Reality

The seeds of Marrow Deep were planted well before tragedy struck. Initially, songwriting was business as usual for Brann and guitarist Bill Kelliher. They had a few rough sketches of songs simmering but took their time, especially interrupted by a 20-year anniversary tour for their album Leviathan.

Brann had hoped to reconnect with Brent during this period to collaborate on the new record, but life pulled him in different directions. “You can’t force anybody to do something they don’t want to do,” he explains. “He went wherever the wind took him, and the wind was not taking him down to the practice space.” This realization made the eventual loss all the more painful.

New Faces, Fresh Energy

After Brent’s departure, Mastodon brought in talented guitarist Nick Johnston and keyboardist João Nogueira. Despite the heavy atmosphere, Brann praises their empathy and artistry, which was exactly what the band needed during this emotional upheaval.

Nick Johnston’s style is distinct, and while he could never replace Brent’s genius, Brann feels a deep musical connection with the new guitarist. “I really fell in love with his playing,” he says, optimistic about what the future holds. Their creative journey together has just begun, with Marrow Deep showcasing the start of new possibilities.

Special Guests and Meaningful Collaborations

Marrow Deep also features some incredible guest appearances. Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age lends his voice on the track "Snakes For Dinner." Brann shares a touching story about Josh’s supportive call on the morning Brent passed, highlighting the deep friendships that bolster them through hard times.

Equally meaningful is the involvement of Geezer Butler from Black Sabbath, who plays a bass solo on a track inspired by Brann’s mother, a huge Sabbath fan. The band had been in a “very Sabbath-y phase” since performing at the legendary Back to the Beginning show, making Geezer’s contribution feel perfectly fitting.

Brann fondly recalls, “She loved Ozzy to death, but she was always like, ‘You know Geezer wrote the lyrics, man!’ I thought Geezer being on that song in particular would have made my mom freak out. She just would lose her mind.” Though she missed seeing the final show, that collaboration was a proud moment for his mom near the end.

Writing Through Pain: Artistic Honesty

The album’s lyrics poured out of Brann as a way to process pain and loss, not necessarily to appeal to fans. Yet he hopes their raw emotions offer solace to others facing struggles.

“There were some moments while I was singing in the vocal booth that I had to stop and collect myself,” he admits. “Those are the times where you know that you’re tapping into something real – and that will always be relatable to somebody.”

For Mastodon, embracing vulnerability isn’t just a choice—it’s imperative for authentic art that truly connects.

Looking Ahead: A New Era of Mastodon

When asked about the future of the band, Brann expresses excitement to explore fresh themes and sounds with Nick and João. He even teases a supernatural horror concept featuring myths like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster for future work.

“For now, I’m looking forward to touring, playing a lot of this new stuff live and just seeing if anyone likes it,” he says with quiet confidence.

Bringing It All Together

Marrow Deep is more than an album to Mastodon—it’s a cathartic journey through grief, a celebration of friendship, and a bold step into a new chapter of their extraordinary career. This record captures the soul of a band that knows hardship but refuses to be defined by it.

FAQ

• How has Brent Hinds’ departure affected Mastodon’s music?
  The band channeled the complex emotions from Brent’s departure and passing into Marrow Deep, resulting in a deeply personal and powerful album.
• Who are the new members in Mastodon?
  Guitarist Nick Johnston and keyboardist João Nogueira joined after Brent’s exit, bringing fresh energy and sensitivity to the band.
• What role do guest artists play on Marrow Deep?
  Josh Homme and Geezer Butler contribute special parts that add emotional depth and musical variety, especially connecting to the band’s personal stories.
• Did Mastodon consider disbanding after these losses?
  No. Mastodon remains a vital part of the members’ lives, and they are committed to continuing the band’s journey.
• What themes does Marrow Deep explore?
  The album grapples with grief, loss, hope, and renewal, reflecting the band’s recent experiences and looking forward to new beginnings.

If Mastodon’s new chapter speaks to you, why not bring that energy home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a lasting tribute to the music and memories that move us. Explore the collection here.