Brent Hinds, former lead guitarist of Atlanta metal band Mastodon, was killed in a motorcycle accident on the night of August 20th. He was 51 years old.

His death was confirmed by the medical examiner's office in Fulton County. A BMW SUV did not yield at an intersection and collided with Hinds, who was riding a Harley-Davidson motorbike.

After growing up in Alabama, Hinds migrated to Atlanta and started playing with Troy Sanders in the band Four-Hour Fogger. Shortly after, the pair teamed up with Bill Kelliher and Brann Dailor, both of Rochester, New York, to found Mastodon in 2000.

The quartet initially recruited Eric Saner for vocals; he left prior to the release of the band's debut album, 2002's Remission. The foursome remained a constant lineup for nearly a quarter-century before Hinds parted ways with the group earlier this year.

Mastodon added guitarist Nick Johnston to replace Hinds, while the latter often berated his former bandmates on social media.

While Hinds struggled with alcohol and substance abuse, as well as brain damage sustained after a fall in 2007, he routinely delivered searing solos and inventive riffs in songs like 2009's "The Last Baron". Many fans deem his country and bluegrass influences to be vital ingredients in much of Mastodon's discography.