The legal fallout between Mastodon and the estate of late guitarist Brent Hinds has taken another turn. Hinds’ estate has sued the Atlanta metal band, alleging that Mastodon used a recognizable likeness of the late guitarist on the cover of its new album, Marrow Deep, and then used that artwork to promote and sell the record, merchandise, and other related products.
The civil complaint was filed in Fulton County Court on September 3, according to reporting from Metal Injection. Hinds, a founding member of Mastodon who spent 25 years in the band, died in a motorcycle crash in August 2025. Marrow Deep, released in August, is Mastodon’s first studio album following Hinds’ death. The record was made without his musical contributions, but his presence is nevertheless difficult to separate from the band’s history. The album cover features three figures inspired by the Fates of Greek mythology. One of those figures has a garment made up of skulls and faces, and Hinds’ estate alleges that one of the faces is recognizable as Brent.
The estate is seeking compensation for the alleged use of Hinds’ likeness, as well as for his interests in Mastodon and related business entities. The lawsuit also raises questions about Hinds’ financial stake in the band. Hinds left Mastodon in March 2025 after 25 years with the group. While the band initially described the split as mutual, the circumstances surrounding his departure became increasingly contentious in the months that followed.
According to the lawsuit, Mastodon offered to buy out Hinds’ interests in the band’s companies, but Hinds never signed the proposed agreement before his death. The estate says Mastodon subsequently sent an $80,000 check described as an aggregate buyout of Hinds’ interests. The estate has reportedly declined to cash it, arguing that the band did not provide enough information explaining how that figure was calculated. The lawsuit takes issue with more than the album artwork.
Ahead of Marrow Deep, Mastodon released a roughly 35-minute video titled “The Mastodon in the Room,” in which Troy Sanders, Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor discussed their 25-year relationship with Hinds, his departure from the band and the grief surrounding his death. The band also discussed personal struggles they said contributed to the decision to part ways with him.
There is an unavoidable sadness to the dispute. Hinds was not simply a former member of Mastodon; he was one of the musicians who helped build the band from its beginnings in Atlanta into one of modern metal’s most influential acts. For Hinds’ estate, however, that history does not necessarily give Mastodon the right to commercially use his likeness. The lawsuit will now determine what rights the estate has and whether the band’s use of the alleged likeness crossed a legal line. At this stage, the allegations in the complaint remain allegations and have not been proven in court.
