This morning (Sunday, March 18), via Necrophagia’s official Facebook profile, the band announced the sudden death of vocalist and founder Frank “Killjoy” Pucci. No cause of death has been announced for the frontman, who was just 48 years old.

“We are so shocked and saddened to bring you the news of our dear brother Killjoy passing away this morning. We are at a loss for words. R.I.P brother you are forever in our hearts. We will cherish our moments together forever. R.I.P, Necrophagia. Serge, Shawn, Jake.”

Necrophagia (formed in 1983) were one of the earliest death metal bands in the U.S. scene and Pucci, in particular, was an important part of the international underground tape trading movement in the developmental of days of death metal. Though his band initially spilt up in 1987, they reformed 11 years later and went on to record and release seven full-length studio albums. Necrophagia’s latest album, WhiteWorm Cathedral, was released through Season of Mist in 2014.

Decibel sends our sincerest condolences to his family, bandmates and numerous friends in the underground extreme metal scene.