The metal community is mourning as former Dark Tranquility guitarist Fredrik Johansson passed away at 47.
Mikael Stanne posted on the official Facebook account of Dark Tranquility announcing the passing of Johansson. In a lengthy post, he revealed that their rhythm guitarist died on January 25, Tuesday, after a three-year-long battle with cancer.
The frontman also wrote in the statement that Johansson replaced him as the guitarist so that Stanne could focus on singing, he wrote, "and with that he raised the bar and set the course for what we could do and wanted to be."
"His influence and passion had an absolutely massive impact. The first song that we wrote together was something we ended up calling "Punish my Heaven," and with that we knew that we were on a path that we up until then had only dreamed of," he added.
"Fredrik was mercilessly funny, sharp and highly intelligent, and would light up a conversation with his amazingly positive and quick witted commentary," Stanne also wrote. "His sense of humor and adventure would more often than not lead to epic excursions in stupidity and madness that I will forever miss"
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According to the frontman, Johansson left their band in 1999 to focus on his family. "Having known about his cancer battle for almost three years and having dealt with the fact that this day would eventually come doesn't make it any less real," the 48-year-old vocalist also mentioned.
"We all still feel it. And we always will... On behalf of the entire Dark Tranquillity family, we love you Fredrik and we will miss you forever."
The metal rock band will continue their US Tour. His songs will be played. The band said they "aim to keep his name and musical legacy alive," also exclaiming, "He was one of us and we love him."
"'It is what it is, and what will be will be,' as Fredrik used to say might serve as a reminder that our time here is nothing but temporary," he concluded. "And we should make the most of the beautiful personal connections we have and treasure the people that we have surrounded us with."
Fredrik Johansson entered the band after Dark Tranquility released their debut album, "Skydancer," though he did contribute to the group's later added track "Of Chaos and Eternal Night." According to Loudwire, the guitarist's first full album with the band came two years later, in 1995 with "The Gallery." His last contribution with the group was the band's fourth music released, "Projector," in 1999.
May his soul rest in peace.
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