The metal community is mourning the loss of Allen Blickle, founding drummer of Baroness, who has passed away at 42 years old.
The band's frontman John Dyer Baizley shared the devastating news on social media, revealing the musician died several days ago.
"It breaks my heart to have to share the news that my dear friend, creative partner and former bandmate Allen Blickle passed away a few days ago," Baizley stated in his announcement.
The vocalist expressed his disbelief at the loss, adding: "I'm still in shock that he's gone. We ask for understanding as his family and this band process his passing and grieve his loss. Allen, I love you and miss you. I treasure every moment we shared."
No official cause of death has been disclosed. Mr Blickle co-founded the progressive metal group in 2003 with Baizley, bassist Summer Welch and guitarist Tim Loose.
After Loose's departure that same year, Allen's brother Brian briefly joined before Pete Adams took over guitar duties in 2008.
During his decade with Baroness, the drummer contributed to the band's most celebrated releases.
He performed on their 2007 debut Red, followed by 2009's Blue and the double album Yellow & Green in 2012.
Allen Blickle has died at 42
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The drummer remained with the group for ten years until his departure in 2013, when Sebastian Thomson assumed the role.
His powerful drumming style helped establish Baroness as a significant force in the metal scene, with fans particularly praising his work on the Red Album.
The band's trajectory changed dramatically following a severe accident in 2012.
Their tour bus plummeted off a viaduct during heavy rainfall, dropping approximately 30 feet.
Both Mr Blickle and bassist Matt Maggioni suffered fractured vertebrae in the crash. The drummer spent a fortnight in hospital and endured lasting physical effects from his injuries.
Speaking to The Fader in 2013, Mr Blickle revealed ongoing difficulties with sitting for extended periods and the need for continued physical therapy.
He acknowledged the incident forced him to reassess his priorities, describing it as the most challenging period he'd experienced.
Following his recovery, the musician performed with several groups including Romantic Dividends, A Place to Bury Strangers and Alpaca.
He later transitioned into television and film work as a composer and sound designer, contributing to productions such as Netflix's 2020 series We Are The Champions.
The band's frontman John Dyer Baizley shared the devastating news on social media
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Laura Pleasants from Kylesa suggested Mr Blickle had been battling an illness, writing on social media: "I was so heartbroken... finding out how the past month was. I am just gutted, dude. We all thought you had this thing beat."
She expressed gratitude for their renewed friendship in Los Angeles and concluded: "Gone too soon my friend. I'm glad you are at peace and no longer in pain."
Fans across social media platforms have been sharing their condolences and memories. Many highlighted his exceptional drumming on Baroness's early releases, with one noting on X: "God damn, RIP. Those first few Baroness records (and the EPs!) are legendary."
"Rest in chaos Allen Blickle Baroness changed heavy music forever... your beats will echo in the darkness," a second penned.
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Allen Blickle died suddenly
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"His drumming on the Red Album is outstanding. The band was never the same after his departure. RIP," another wrote.
Another posted: "Damn... haven’t we endured enough this year. Make it stop. RIP."
One fan simply wrote: "Noooo!!!" while another added: "RIP hopefully u are in a better place."
"His legacy endures through the band’s early albums #RIP," another noted.
One more commented: "RIP Allen Blickle Baroness Red, Blue, Yellow and Green albums are top tier." (sic)