Mastodon are facing a new lawsuit brought by the estate of their late former guitarist and vocalist Brent Hinds, with the estate alleging that the band has not properly compensated Hinds for his remaining business interests and has continued using his likeness following his death.
According to a report from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the lawsuit was filed on September 3 and centers in part on Hinds’ ownership stake in Mastodon and related business ventures. The estate claims those interests had not been fully divested when Hinds died in August 2025 following a motorcycle accident.
Mastodon parted ways with Hinds in early 2025 after more than two decades together. The split became increasingly contentious, although the band later discussed the circumstances surrounding his departure in the mini-documentary The Mastodon In The Room.
At the time, the group pointed to concerns surrounding Hinds’ increasingly chaotic behavior and alleged substance abuse issues. Troy Sanders reflected on that period in the documentary:
“The dark tones, and the alcohol, and the things that had their grips — had their nails in him — harder than ever before. And there’s always been ups and downs for the 25 years of our band, but I think it was at its peak unfortunately during these past five years.”
The estate now alleges that negotiations over Hinds’ financial interests were still ongoing when he died. According to the lawsuit, Mastodon’s camp subsequently issued an $80,000 check intended to purchase Hinds’ remaining interests, but the estate claims it was not given sufficient accounting to explain how that figure was determined and therefore declined to cash the check.
The lawsuit also takes issue with the band’s use of Hinds’ likeness in album artwork and promotional materials released following his death. The estate is seeking what it believes is proper compensation for those uses, as well as for Hinds’ interests in the band’s associated business ventures.
Additionally, the estate reportedly objects to Mastodon publicly revealing private details concerning Hinds’ life following the band’s split.
The lawsuit adds another chapter to the complicated relationship between Hinds and his former bandmates, which had already deteriorated publicly following his departure from the group.
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