The estate of the late former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has initiated legal proceedings against the band, claiming they are owed money related to the late guitarist’s share in the band and for using his likeness to promote their latest album, Marrow Deep.

Why Is the Estate of Brent Hinds Suing Mastodon?

A civil complaint was filed by the Hinds estate against the band’s members on behalf of the late musician on September 3 in Fulton County Court in Georgia, primarily focusing on the two aforementioned issues.

According to The Atlanta Journal Constitution, the lawsuit asserts that while the band had expressed intentions to buy Hinds out of his share in their business ventures, he had not signed any paperwork before his death, thus retaining his stake in those companies.

The suit mentions that the band issued a check for $80,000 to buy out the guitarist’s interests; however, there was allegedly no explanation regarding how this figure was determined. Consequently, the Hinds estate chose not to cash the check following the guitarist’s death until a complete accounting could clarify what Hinds’ shares in the company would have been.

The other point of contention is a claim by the Hinds estate that the guitarist’s image was utilized in promoting the Marrow Deep album despite his absence from the record and without his consent. Mastodon members have openly discussed how Hinds’ death influenced their new record, with the album’s first single, “Your Ghost Again,” intended as a tribute to him.

“‘Your Ghost Again’ is about being in those familiar places you used to be with people, which for us is in the studio,” commented drummer Brann Dailor about the track. “I just kept seeing [Brent] out of the corner of my eye, where he would normally be with his guitar. It’s about that: your mind plays tricks on you, especially so soon after someone dies and you’re in the places where they always were. You just see them.”

The Hinds estate appears more concerned with the artwork for Marrow Deep, which features three distinct figures on its cover. The band has stated that these figures represent the Fates from Greek mythology. However, beneath one figure, there is also a bearded, tattooed face visible among skulls in a garment worn by the bat-faced Fate. The estate contends that this particular image is meant to represent Hinds.

“Nevertheless, Defendants selected and placed a recognizable image of Brent on the album cover of Marrow Deep and disseminated that cover to advertise, market, distribute and sell physical albums, digital downloads and streams, merchandise and related goods or services,” claimed the estate in their filing, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Mastodon – Marrow Deep

Although not something they have legally claimed yet, the Hinds estate has also expressed dissatisfaction with how the band has publicly discussed their views on what led to his departure from the group.

What Happened Between Mastodon + Brent Hinds?

Mastodon officially parted ways with guitarist Brent Hinds in March 2025 after a 25-year collaboration.

A statement regarding this matter read: “Friends and fans: After 25 monumental years together, Mastodon and Brent Hinds have mutually decided to part ways. We’re deeply proud of and beyond grateful for the music and history we’ve shared and we wish him nothing but success and happiness in his future endeavors. We are still very inspired and excited to show up for fans in this next chapter of Mastodon.”

While not addressing what led to their split, band members remained complimentary and respectful of Hinds’ contributions in public comments made afterward.

However, Hinds criticized the band twice on social media following their separation. In response to one social media post celebrating the group’s Once More Round the Sun album, he replied to a fan’s comment saying, “I want [sic] miss being in a shit band with horrible humans.”

A few weeks later, he took another jab at them in an Instagram post related to their Crack the Skye album, this time criticizing their vocal abilities and vanity.

What Happened After Brent Hinds’ Death?

A few weeks later, Hinds tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident in Atlanta when he was struck by another driver at age 51. The band learned of his passing while at baggage claim at an Alaskan airport ahead of their last show before entering the studio less than two weeks later.

“We are in a state of unfathomable sadness and grief… last night Brent Hinds passed away as a result of a tragic accident,” said the band in their initial statement. “We are heartbroken, shocked and still trying to process this loss of this creative force with whom we’ve shared so many triumphs, milestones and created music that has touched so many hearts. Our hearts are with Brent’s family, friends and fans. At this time, we please ask that you respect.”

READ MORE: Up, Down But Never Out – Going ‘Marrow Deep’ With Mastodon

While they would address his death further during their first show after it in Alaska, they largely remained silent about Hinds until July of this year when they released a 35-minute video featuring three members reflecting on Hinds’ life while revealing details about what led to his departure from the band and how his disconnect had grown.

Mastodon just released Marrow Deep on August 28. They will begin their next round of tour dates supporting the album on September 16 in Orlando with dates scheduled through October 24 for their Sick New World festival appearance in Fort Worth. See all stops and get ticketing information via the band’s website.

Below, see how we ranked all previous albums from Mastodon.