2000s Rock Band Announces First New Music Since Death of Former Member
Mastodon, a renowned heavy metal and progressive rock band, made a bold and heartfelt gesture following the tragic passing of their former guitarist Brent Hinds.
During their ongoing tour, the band delivered an exciting surprise to fans by announcing the release of their new single, "Your Ghost Again."
In an Instagram post, the "Blood and Thunder" hitmakers introduced the new version of Mastodon as a five-piece lineup, featuring Nick Johnston as their new guitarist.
In addition, João Nogueira, who previously served as their longtime touring and session keyboardist, has now officially joined the band as a full-time member.
Although the rock band proudly unveiled its expanded lineup, the song also served as a tribute to their late bandmate, who passed away last year.
"'Your Ghost Again' is about being in those familiar places you used to be with people all the time, which for us was in the studio," vocalist and drummer Brann Dailor said in the teaser video, along with archival clips of Hinds. "I just kept seeing [Brent] out of the corner of my eye, where he would normally be with his guitar. It's about that: Your mind plays tricks on you, especially so soon after someone dies and you're in the places where they always were. You just see them."
In addition, guitarist Bill Kelliher said the single captured Mastodon's signature sound.
"We wanted to pick a song that sounds like Mastodon, and that has all the things in there, because it's the first impression of what people are gonna hear," the band member explained. "It speaks about things that have just happened and people passing; I could go deep, but I don't want to because a lot of that shit's personal."
"Your Ghost Again" is the lead track from their upcoming ninth studio album and their first single since Hinds' death.
As mentioned, the major update came during their ongoing summer tour in the U.K. and Europe, which kicked off on June 3 in Hlavní Město Praha, Czech Republic, and will conclude on July 5 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Adding to their busy schedule is a headlining run on the Poisonous Weapons Tour with Deafheaven and Alcest, which will run from September to October.
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This story was originally published June 4, 2026 at 10:07 AM.