Former Mastodon guitarist Brent Hinds has officially returned to the stage for the first time since his departure from the band earlier this month. Hinds, who is currently involved in at least three musical projects, performed at Atlanta’s 529 on March 21 with his band Fiend Without a Face.
In early March, just before their performance at Tool’s Live in the Sand Festival, Mastodon announced Hinds’ exit from the band.
In a statement shared on social media, the band wrote:
“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.”
Just weeks after the split, Hinds was back in action, performing with his longtime band Fiend Without a Face at Atlanta’s 529 on March 21. Fan-filmed footage of the entire set has since surfaced online.
Brent Hinds Balancing Three Active Bands
Hinds has never been one to sit idle when it comes to music. Over the years, he has been involved with multiple bands, including Giraffe Tongue Orchestra, Legend of the Seagullmen, Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, The Blood Vessels, Four Hour Frogger, and The Last of the Blue Eyed Devils.
Former Mastodon Guitarist Brent HindsNow, post-Mastodon, he is fully focused on three bands: Fiend Without a Face, West End Motel, and Dirty B & the Boys.
To give fans a taste of what’s to come, Hinds recently announced a special performance on April 18 at The Garden Club at Wild Heaven West End in Atlanta. The event, labeled “a whole evening of Bhinds,” will feature performances by all three of his current bands. Tickets for the show are on sale now.
A Look at Hinds’ Current Musical Projects
Fiend Without a Face
Named after the 1958 B-movie, Fiend Without a Face first emerged in 2001, though their self-titled debut album didn’t arrive until 2017. Their sound is a unique mix of heavy riffs, surf rock, rockabilly, calypso, and bluegrass—creating a truly genre-blending experience.
West End Motel
Since 2010, West End Motel has released four albums, blending rock, soul, country, and indie influences. The band features Hinds on vocals, alongside Tom Cheshire and Ben Thrower. Their most recent album, Brent Hinds and Tom Cheshire in West End Motel, came out in 2019, followed by the single “New Year’s Day” in 2020.
Dirty B & the Boys
Not much is known about Dirty B & the Boys, though Hinds has previously performed with the group, notably during a 2023 tour alongside Fiend Without a Face. The band’s lineup and future plans remain largely under wraps for now.
With three bands currently in motion, Brent Hinds is proving that his musical journey is far from over. Fans can catch him live at his upcoming April 18 show in Atlanta, where all three of his active projects will take the stage.
