Last Wednesday, the 11th, vocalist Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder passed away at the age of 41. Since the news broke, tributes have been spreading across the internet with colleagues and musicians mourning the loss.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad. A beloved son, brother, and pastor of the good old days, he was loved by all who knew him,” the band wrote in a statement. “A walking encyclopedia of all things music. He was a hugger, a writer, and one of the world’s greatest artists. His lyrics provided the world with stories and spells, horror and whimsy. His life was being the show for you,” they wrote.
The cause of death was not disclosed, but the band posted on social media the contact information for the suicide prevention helpline.
Strnad was one of the founders of The Black Dahlia Murder when they formed in 2001, and has been the only constant amidst several lineup changes. The band has released a total of nine albums, with the most recent being Verminous , from 2020.
See below some of these tributes:
Brandon Ellis (The Black Dahlia Murder): “I don’t even know how to begin to process this… I’m in total shock and disbelief. It has been my greatest honor to have spent 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 in the world. He was the life that is The Black Dahlia Murder, as well as the life in every room he entered. A lyrical genius. A champion of all heavy metal culture. And my biggest supporter. This man changed my life and believed in me more than I believe in myself. I can’t believe I won’t have those laughs anymore, the songs we would write, or the stages destroyed by Trevor’s leadership. I hope he knew how much he was loved. Rest in peace, Trevor.”
Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed): “Rest in peace Trevor Strnad, you will be missed, my condolences to TDBM [The Black Dahlia Murder], your family, friends and fans. Thank you for all the laughs, stories, music and so much more.”
Daniel Winter-Bates (Bury Tomorrow): “After learning of Trevor Strnad’s death, I began to reflect on his influence on my musical career… clearly more than just a musician and his absence will be felt… tragically new.”
Gary Holt (Exodus): “Rest in peace, @trevortbdm, frontman of @theblackdahliamurder_official. We toured together in 2006 for about six weeks, the guy was fucking cool. Exodus feels so sorry for his family, friends, bandmates and loved ones. What a huge loss, what a drag.”
Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater): “Absolutely shocked by the news of Trevor Strnad’s death from The Black Dahlia Murder. Trevor was part of the Metal Allegiance family, having sung on our song 'The Accuser' and played with us in 2018 and 2019. My thoughts are with his bandmates, friends, and family.”