Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad has died, aged 41

The death metal band paid tribute to Strnad, calling him "one of the world’s greatest entertainers"

Trevor Strnad, the frontman of melodic death metal band The Black Dahlia Murder, has died at the age of 41.

The musician’s death was confirmed by the band who shared the news in a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday (May 11).

“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad,” The Black Dahlia Murder wrote. “Beloved son, brother, and Shepard of good times, he was loved by all that met him.”

They continued: “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.”

While no official cause of death has yet been revealed, the band shared the phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at the end of their post.

Strnad was a founding member of The Black Dahlia Murder (whose name is derived from the 1947 unsolved murder of Elizabeth Short, often referred to as Black Dahlia) and was part of the Michigan band’s original line-up that released their demo ‘What A Horrible Night To Have A Curse’ in 2001.

He’s appeared on every one of the band’s records over the last two decades: ‘Unhallowed’ (2003), ‘Miasma’ (2005), ‘Nocturnal’ (2007), ‘Deflorate’ (2009), ‘Ritual’ (2011), ‘Everblack’ (2013), ‘Abysmal’ (2015), ‘Nightbringers’ (2017).

The band’s latest release was 2020’s full-length ‘Verminous’.

Black Dahlia Murder
Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder. CREDIT: Mark Horton/Getty Images

A number of people have taken to social media to share tributes including The Black Dahlia Murder lead guitarist Brandon Ellis.

“I can not even begin to process this… In total shock and disbelief. It has been my greatest honour 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,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

“This man changed my life and believed in me more than I do myself. I can not believe there will no more laughs had, songs written together, or stages decimated with Trevor at the helm. I hope he knew how much he was loved the world over.”

Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta tweeted: “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.”

“metal wouldn’t be what it is today without him. can’t believe it. RIP trevor strnad,” Stray From The Path drummer Craig Reynolds wrote. “every death metal band with two singers only has two singers because neither of them could do what he did.”

Born Of Osiris drummer Cameron Losch tweeted: “Man wtf. Trevor was such a legend and huge musical influence on me growing up. Nicest guy too. My condolences to his family and friends. RIP Trevor Strnad.”

Ice Nine Kills’ Spencer Charnas wrote: “I know he was not the biggest INK fan, but man, was Trevor an amazing vocalist and from what his friends have told me he was a very nice person. RIP Trevor Strnad the metal community has lost one of the greats.”

You can see more tributes below:

Horrible news about a very good dude. Touring with TBDM was always an absolute pleasure and Trevor was a bro. He is and will be very missed.

Posted by Exhumed on Wednesday, May 11, 2022

Trevor Strnad – A hero, supporter and friend. Your place in our music and our scene was extremely vital and will always…

Posted by Sanguisugabogg on Wednesday, May 11, 2022

We are absolutely crushed by the passing of our friend and brother Trevor Strnad. Trevor believed in us early on when…

Posted by Shadow Of Intent on Wednesday, May 11, 2022

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