RIP Brent Hinds (1974–2025)

For the last few days, I’ve been reeling at the news of the sudden and untimely death of former Mastodon guitarist and co-vocalist William Brent Hinds.

By all accounts, he was a force of nature. A wild character. And a fabulously inventive guitarist and vocalist. I feel thankful that I have stood in the same room as him on a couple of occasions and marvelled at Mastodon’s unique brand of rock n’ roll.

When big characters who have burned so brightly in life are suddenly and cruelly extinguished, life suddenly feels fragile. But now is the time to rage against that darkness and live life to the full. This week I have been doing that to soundtrack of Mastodon.

There’s an open wound placed upon my heart in anger’s rage
If we open up a spirit, it’s a spirit that can bleed

— “Seabeast”, Mastodon from Leviathan (2004)

Sending love and condolences to his family and friends.

Rest in peace, Brent Hinds.

My albums of 2021

All the albums I bought or acquired in 2021

My annual review of what I’ve most enjoyed listening to during the last 12 months, and my albums of the year.

  1. Mordred—The Dark Parade
  2. Sel Balamir—Swell (EP)
  3. Amplifier—Bonus EP (2004) / Glory Electricity (Sunset Version)
  4. Steven Wilson—The Future Bites
  5. Jerry Cantrell—Brighten
  6. Graeme Lamb—Winter Passing
  7. Gojira—Fortitude
  8. Mastodon—Hushed and Grim
  9. Charlie Benante—Silver Linings
  10. Sepultura—SepulQuarta

Honourable mentions:

  • Aporia—Internal Conflict
  • Exodus—Persona Non Grata
  • Iron Maiden—Senjutsu
Continue reading My albums of 2021

My albums of 2017

A selection of the albums I bought or acquired in 2017
A selection of the albums I bought or acquired in 2017

My annual review of what I’ve most enjoyed listening to during the last 12 months, and my albums of the year.

Continue reading My albums of 2017

Mastodon—Leviathan on piano

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h85KV5e6t-E]

This is a marvellous version of Mastodon‘s “Leviathan” on piano. As the video says on YouTube: “One amazing album, one uninterrupted take, one white whale.”

That’s the kind of performance that makes me wish that I’d stuck with piano lessons.