The Black Dahlia Murder frontman Trevor Strnad dead at 41

Trevor Strnad on stage at Heavy Montreaol in 2018
(Image credit: Mark Horton/Getty Images)

Trevor Strnad, vocalist of Michigan melodic death metallers The Black Dahlia Murder, has died aged 41, the band has confirmed in a statement.

In a message posted on Facebook this evening, Wednesday May 11, The Black Dahlia Murder paid tribute to their bandmate and posted the phone number for the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Trevor Scott Strnad," reads the statement. "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.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255."

The Black Dahlia Murder formed in 2001, putting out their first EP, What a Horrible Night to Have a Curse, later that year. Debut full-length album Unhallowed would arrive in 2003, before a run of eight more albums over 17 years, the most recent of which, Verminous, was released in 2020 to rave reviews. 

Trevor was a beloved and respected member of the metal community and widely liked for his down-to-earth nature, openheartedness with fans and passion for death metal and horror movies. As well as his work with The Black Dahlia Murder, he also appeared on a wide range of albums by other extreme metal artists, most recently making a cameo with Danish death metallers Baest on their 2022 track Gargoyles. 

The Samaritans helpline in the UK is 116 123.

Merlin Alderslade
Executive Editor, Louder

Merlin moved into his role as Executive Editor of Louder in early 2022, following over ten years working at Metal Hammer. While there, he served as Online Editor and Deputy Editor, before being promoted to Editor in 2016. Before joining Metal Hammer, Merlin worked as Associate Editor at Terrorizer Magazine and has previously written for the likes of Classic Rock, Rock Sound, eFestivals and others. Across his career he has interviewed legends including Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy, Metallica, Iron Maiden (including getting a trip on Ed Force One courtesy of Bruce Dickinson), Guns N' Roses, KISS, Slipknot, System Of A Down and Meat Loaf. He is also probably responsible for 90% of all nu metal-related content making it onto the site.