Trevor Strnad, the vocalist for The Black Dahlia Murder, died at 41. He co-founded and led the melodic death metal band for nearly two decades.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” reads a statement by Strnad’s bandmates shared earlier today. “He was liked by those who met him as a beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times.
“A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and truly one of the world’s greatest entertainers. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells and horror and whimsy. It was his life to be your show.” The reason for the death of Strnad has not been revealed, although the band did include contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline in their statement.
In Waterford, Michigan, Strnad founded The Black Dahlia Murder in 2001. They published a demo called What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse the same year. Unhallowed was the band’s first studio album, released in 2003, and they went on to record eight more albums, the most recent of which was Verminous in 2020. They went through various lineup changes throughout their existence, with Strnad remaining the lone constant.
Brandon Ellis, who has played guitar in The Black Dahlia Murder since 2016, is among others who have paid respect to Strnad. “I have no idea where to begin,” Ellis wrote. “I’m stunned and speechless. Spending the last six and a half years in a band with this incredible icon and legend has been the biggest honor. A sibling. A close companion. “One of the world’s funniest and most entertaining persons.”
Hatebreed leader Jamey Jasta, Stray from the Path drummer Craig Reynolds, Testament’s Alex Skolnick, and others have paid tribute.
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RIP Trevor Strnad, you’ll be missed dearly, my deepest condolences to TDBM, his family, friends & fans. Thanks for all the laughs, the stories, the music, & so much more. ❤️❤️❤️
— Jamey Jasta (@jameyjasta) May 11, 2022
metal wouldn’t be what it is today without him. can’t believe it. RIP trevor strnad.
— craig reynolds (@reynlord) May 11, 2022
Totally shocking news. Truly great guy/artist. Testament was supposed to tour with the band (derailed by Covid) and it was a blast to work with him in @metalallegiance. Huge loss.
RiP @TrevorTBDM https://t.co/PTBESRWWNv— Alex Skolnick 🇺🇦 (@AlexSkolnick) May 11, 2022
