McKenzie Bell, former guitarist for North Carolina bands He Is Legend and Bloodjinn, has passed away. No official cause of death has been revealed so far. The guitarist was 35.
While no official statement regarding his death has been made public, the sad news of Bell's passing was first delivered by Bloodjinn through their social media accounts - Facebook and Instagram - Sunday, April 26.
The band's official statement said that they "are extremely saddened today to find out that our great friend and former guitarist, Mckenzie Bell, has passed away." The band described Bell as "always a blast to hang out with and one incredible riff writer," further remembering their former guitarist as "the king of all the hot sauces" and that his collection of sauces were "insane."
The North Carolina metalcore band remembered McKenzie Bell's contribution in the band's recording of the 2007 album "This Machine Runs On Empty," and his vocals on the track "Moment of Clarity." Bloodjinn bid their former guitarist rest in power, reminding Bell that he was "loved dearly by everyone."
While no official cause of death has been named, The PRP, a metal and hardcore music news portal, reported that McKenzie Bell was involved in a severe accident a few years ago, but left him with lingering complications. His road to recovery was regularly documented on his Instagram page.
McKenzie Bell performed with the rock band He Is Legend on their 2004 album "I Am Hollywood" and the 2006 follow-up "Suck Out the Poison." Bell then joined Bloodjinn and worked with them for "This Machine Runs on Empty."
McKenzie's North Carolina Rock Bands
He Is Legend is a band tracing its roots back to the early 90s with Adam Tanbouz, Steven Bach, Schuylar Croom, and Matt Williams playing in Wilmington during high school. By 2003, the band named after Richard Matheson's book was formed, now including McKenzie Bell on rhythm guitars and backing vocals. The group began with their 2004 EP "91025," before signing on with Solid State Records to release "I Am Hollywood."
The band almost broke up shortly after recording "Suck Out the Poison" in 2006, with Bell leaving the group. He Is Legend is known for starting with metalcore music early in their career before moving to sludge and alternative metal in their later works. Their latest album, "White Bat," was released in April last year.
McKenzie Bell's next outfit, Bloodjinn, was first established in 1999 by the Collins brothers: Joel on lead vocals and Justin on drums. Their first album was "To Bleed The Demon" under the indie record label Flatline Records. The band went on tours and played shows with other acts such as Bury Your Dead, Darkest Hour, and Underoath.
By 2007, the band started creating new material with new bandmates, including Bell. The group signed under Pluto Records and released "This Machine Runs on Empty," to positive reception among metalcore circles. The band headlined a tour in support of the album with fellow metal acts Hatebreed, Shai Hulud, Born of Osiris, Dead To Fall, and God Forbid.
