The Black Dahlia Murder Frontman Trevor Strnad Has Died, Aged 41

The Black Dahlia Murder vocalist Trevor Strnad, who co-founded and led the melodic death metal group for over two decades, has died at the age of 41.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” reads a statement by Strnad’s bandmates shared earlier today. “Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him.

“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.” Strnad’s cause of death has not been disclosed, but the band ended their statement with contact information for the National Suicide Prevention hotline.

Strnad formed The Black Dahlia Murder in 2001 in Waterford, Michigan. They released a demo, What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse, the same year. Their debut studio album, Unhallowed, arrived in 2003, and the band would go on to release eight more albums, most recently Verminous in 2020. They underwent several lineup changes over the course of their existence, with Strnad the only constant.

Among those who have paid tribute to Strnad are his bandmate Brandon Ellis, who has played guitar in The Black Dahlia Murder since 2016. “I can not even begin to process this,” Ellis wrote. “In total shock and disbelief. It has been my greatest honor to spend the last six and a half years in a band with this absolute icon and legend. A brother. A best friend. One of the funniest and most entertaining people to walk the earth.”

Other tributes have come from Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta, Stray from the Path drummer Craig Reynolds, Testament‘s Alex Skolnick and more. See those below.