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Mastodon Enlists YouTube Virtuoso Ben Eller for ‘Tool Live In The Sand’ Festival Performance
Mastodon, the Atlanta-based progressive metal behemoth, is stepping into a bold new era after parting ways with founding guitarist Brent Hinds. Hinds, a defining force in the band for 25 years, helped shape Mastodon’s signature sound, blending sludge-drenched heaviness with intricate melodies and psychedelic flourishes. His departure left a massive void, but Mastodon wasted no time in bringing in fresh energy for their next chapter.
Mastodon, the Atlanta-based progressive metal behemoth, is stepping into a bold new era after parting ways with founding guitarist Brent Hinds. Hinds, a defining force in the band for 25 years, helped shape Mastodon’s signature sound, blending sludge-drenched heaviness with intricate melodies and psychedelic flourishes. His departure left a massive void, but Mastodon wasted no time in bringing in fresh energy for their next chapter.
On March 9, at the ‘Tool Live In The Sand’ festival in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Mastodon took the stage with a new guitarist—Ben Eller. A name well-known in the guitar community, Eller has built a dedicated following through his YouTube channel and instructional series, This Is Why You Suck At Guitar, where he breaks down technique, theory, and all things heavy. His expertise in shredding and deep understanding of tone made him an intriguing choice to step into Hinds’ shoes, even if only for a live appearance.
Eller’s background is a fascinating one. Based in Tennessee, he started out like many metalheads—obsessing over Metallica as a teenager before diving headfirst into technical playing. Over the years, he has become a sought-after session musician, working with bands like deathcore giants Whitechapel and the high-energy glam metal act Skankbanger. His ability to balance precision with raw aggression made him a perfect fit for Mastodon’s dynamic, often unpredictable compositions.
Mastodon’s set at the festival was a major moment, marking their first high-profile performance since Hinds’ departure. While longtime fans might have been skeptical about how the band would sound without one of its founding members, the overwhelming response has been positive. Eller seamlessly slotted into the lineup, proving that Mastodon’s legacy is in safe hands as they navigate this new phase.
The big question now is whether Eller’s involvement with Mastodon will extend beyond the festival. Will he be a full-time member? Or was this a one-off collaboration? The band has yet to confirm their long-term plans, but one thing is clear—Mastodon isn’t slowing down.
As the dust settles, fans can only speculate on what’s next. A new album? More live dates? A permanent lineup change? Whatever happens, Mastodon has shown once again that they are masters of adaptation, always pushing forward, always evolving.