Mastodon guitarist Bill Kelliher discussed recording the band’s new album, ‘Marrow Deep’, after the passing of their guitarist Brent Hinds, and explained why he felt relieved writing new songs without him, speaking to Guitar World.
Kelliher focused on the creative freedom he gained during the writing process and how Hinds’ unpredictable approach to the band affected his output.
“I’m free to write whatever without having to think about Brent not liking it,” Kelliher said. “He was a different person every day.”
“Some days he would love Mastodon. But other days he would be like, ‘I f*cking hate metal.’ I’d be like, ‘Okay, we’re a metal band. I don’t know what to tell you, bro…'”
Kelliher acknowledged the bond he shared with Hinds and his respect for the band’s history, despite the challenges they faced together.
“We’d always be friends in the end. It was really hard; we always wanted to keep the band as the four of us, but it’s onward and upward for me. This is my life. I live and breathe Mastodon.”
Kelliher made these comments as Mastodon worked on their new album following Hinds’ death.
Hinds cofounded Mastodon in 2000 with bassist Troy Sanders, Kelliher and drummer Brann Dailor, and the band’s lineup stayed the same for 24 years. The band announced in March 2025 that Hinds would be leaving, but in August 2025 Hinds said the departure was not mutual. Hinds died in a motorcycle crash at age 51 in August 2025.
The recording of Marrow Deep took place in 2025 and was inspired by the deaths of Hinds and Brann Dailor’s mother. The album features guitarist Nick Johnston as Mastodon’s new lead guitarist and was released on August 28, 2026. The lead single, “Snakes for Dinner”, includes guest vocals by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, marking Homme’s first appearance on a Mastodon record since 2006’s Blood Mountain.
The album has been supported by the Poisonous Weapons tour, with Deafheaven and Alcest opening all dates. This marks a new chapter for Mastodon as they move forward with their music following the significant changes in their lineup.
