R.I.P. McKenzie Bell, Former Guitarist for He Is Legend and Bloodjinn

Update, April 28, 10:46 a.m.: He Is Legend have now also released a statement mourning Bell. You can read that here.

McKenzie Bell, former guitarist for both He Is Legend and Bloodjinn (and an accomplished drummer), has passed away at the age of thirty-five. Although a cause of death has not been made public, an accident left Bell struggling with serious, unspecified health issues for several years. On his Instagram account, where he sometimes documented these issues, he revealed that he has gotten injections of heparin, a blood thinner often utilized to treat heart attacks and angina; other photos show him clearly having undergone a tracheotomy.

Bloodjinn broke the sad news on social media:

“We are extremely saddened today to find out that our great friend and former guitarist, McKenzie Bell, has passed away. He was always a blast to hang out with and one incredible riff writer. He was the king of all of the hot sauces. Seriously, his collection was insane. He was largely involved in our ‘This Machine Runs On Empty’ recording process, along with [producer/mixer] Jamie King. He even had a great singing voice and will forever be heard on ‘Moment Of Clarity.’ Rest in power brother. You were loved dearly by everyone.”

In addition to Bloodjinned’s above-mentioned 2007 release, This Machine Runs on Empty, Bell played rhythm guitar on two He Is Legend albums: I Am Hollywood (2004) and Suck Out the Poison (2006).

MetalSucks extends its deepest sympathies to all of Bell’s loved ones. Honor him today by cranking some of his work.

[via The PRP]