Progressive fusion virtuoso Nick Johnston has formally joined Mastodon as their touring guitarist following the departure of founding member Brent Hinds — and in response to Johnston, all of it started with an informal espresso meet-up. In a latest interview with Guitar World, Johnston detailed how an opportunity hangout with Dethklok creator Brendon Small and a shock look by Mastodon drummer Brann Dailor sparked a friendship that finally led to him getting the decision to hitch one among steel’s most revered bands.
“I used to hang around with Brendon Small once I was making an attempt to know the music business,” Johnston recalled. “Someday, Brann got here alongside to one among our espresso hangs, and we hit it off.” From there, a bond was fashioned that finally paved the way in which for Johnston to step in throughout a pivotal second for the band. “Brann instructed me I would be the primary particular person he’d name if something ever got here up. That is what he did. We have grow to be actually shut over the previous couple of months.”
Johnston‘s entrance into Mastodon comes on the heels of Brent Hinds‘ sudden and extremely publicized exit in March 2025 after a 25-year tenure. The band launched a press release calling the choice mutual and respectful, however Hinds later stirred controversy by publicly stating, “I will not miss being in a band with horrible people.” The sharp phrases contrasted the band’s public diplomacy and hinted at deeper artistic and private rifts. Guitarist Invoice Kelliher likened the break up to “the top of a wedding,” acknowledging that after many years collectively, individuals can develop aside.
Instantly following Hinds‘ exit, Mastodon pressed on with their schedule, acting at Device’s Reside In The Sand pageant with YouTuber Ben Eller filling in on brief discover. Whereas followers speculated over who may completely exchange Hinds, few predicted Johnston, a solo artist recognized for his technical, melodic guitar work and collaborations with drumming elites like Gavin Harrison, Marco Minnemann, Thomas Lang, and Benny Greb.
However for Mastodon, chemistry was simply as necessary as chops. “You gotta be any individual who all of us get together with and might stand the true check of time,” Kelliher defined. Johnston, it appears, suits that mildew.
“I believe Brann felt like he already knew me by the musicians I’ve labored with,” Johnston stated, referencing his earlier work with prog titans. Onstage, he is already proving to be a pure match. His dwell debut with Mastodon got here at Sonic Temple Competition in Columbus, Ohio, and fan response has been overwhelmingly constructive. Whether or not or not he turns into a everlasting member stays unclear, however the synergy between Johnston and the band is already tangible.
Mastodon‘s summer season tour with Periphery and Coheed & Cambria continues, however the band is not simply centered on the highway. In line with a heartfelt reflection from Brann Dailor following their set at Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne‘s farewell present on July 5, the band is already channeling that emotional momentum into the studio. “Music by no means felt so highly effective,” Dailor wrote, noting that Mastodon‘s subsequent recording is now underway. This new album will mark the band’s first-ever launch with out Brent Hinds.
Dailor‘s message additionally served as a love letter to the heavy steel legacy that formed Mastodon‘s profession. “Thanks Black Sabbath for giving us an area to be artistic and the best style of music there may be,” he wrote. “Ozzy Osbourne, I like you. You imply the world to me.”
However will Johnston be featured on the brand new Mastodon report? That is still to be seen.
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