The estate of Brent Hinds has filed a lawsuit against Mastodon claiming that the late guitarist wasn’t properly compensated after his exit from the band, and alleging that the metal act improperly used Hinds’ image for their new album, Marrow Deep.
The lawsuit was filed in Fulton County Court on September 3rd, claiming that the guitarist was issued an $80,000 check as a buyout upon his departure from Mastodon, an amount that the estate says was not fully explained by the band. The estate is holding off on cashing or depositing the check until a full accounting review is completed.
Lawsuit Details
Brent Hinds was killed in a motorcycle accident on August 20th, 2025, just a half year after Mastodon announced that they had parted ways with him after 25 years in the band. The lawsuit also reveals that <strong%Hinds was notified of his ouster from the band via email, but that the guitarist never got around to signing a separation agreement prior to his death.
According to the estate, Hinds still had ownership interest in Mastodon merchandise and other business ventures associated with the band. The suit addresses the promotion of the new album, Marrow Deep, which was preceded by a 35-minute documentary titled The Mastodon in the Room, in which the band’s three other founding members — Brann Dailor, Troy Sanders, and Bill Kelliher — discuss Hinds’ passing and the relationship they had with him over the years.
The estate criticized the band members for revealing “details about his private life that they learned in confidence — details he chose to keep private while he was alive.” The suit also pointed out the Marrow Deep album cover, which features one of its female Fate characters wearing a garment with a number of skulls, including one bearded one that resembles Hinds.
Album Cover Controversy
Specifically, the suit reads, “Nevertheless, Defendants selected and placed a recognizable image of Brent Hinds 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.”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reached out to Mastodon’s reps for comment but did not receive a response. Mastodon are set to kick off a headlining North American tour on September 16th in Orlando, Florida, featuring support from Deafheaven and Alcest.
In conclusion, the lawsuit filed by Brent Hinds’ estate against Mastodon has brought to light the contentious circumstances surrounding Hinds’ exit from the band and the use of his image for the promotion of their new album, Marrow Deep. The outcome of the lawsuit remains to be seen, but it has already sparked a heated debate among fans and music industry professionals alike.
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