Former CELTIC FROST bassist Martin Eric Ain died yesterday (Saturday, October 21) after suffering a heart attack at the age of 50. No further details have been revealed.

Commented CELTIC FROST leader Thomas Gabriel Fischer: “I am deeply affected by [Martin‘s] passing. Our relationship was very complex and definitely not free of conflicts, but Martin‘s life and mine were very closely intertwined, since we first met in 1982.”

Norwegian bassist King Ov Hell (real name Tom Cato Visnes; GORGOROTH, GOD SEED, AUDREY HORNE) also commented on Ain‘s death. He said: “I just learned that my dear friend Martin Ain passed away at age 50. His work with CELTIC FROST and HELLHAMMER has been a huge inspiration for me and thousands of others. Rest in peace, my friend!”

Born Martin Stricker, Martin Eric Ain became an entrepreneur owned a DVD shop and bar in Zurich, called Acapulco. He was also a co-owner of the music club Mascotte, which became well known for hosting up-and-coming international bands. Since 2004, he had been the host of the “Karaoke From Hell” show, taking place every Tuesday night at Mascotte.

Ain handled lead vocals on the song “A Dying God Coming Into Human Flesh” on CELTIC FROST‘s final album, “Monotheist”.

In a 2006 interview with Metal Rules, Ain said that, unlike Fischer, he preferred to keep a low profile when he wasn’t performing with CELTIC FROST. “I’m exhibitionist enough already with the interviews and on stage,” he explained. “I like to let the music speak for itself and the stage performances speak for themselves. I already think Tom does that, Tom does that communication. That’s his space, his way of communicating, his views, his beliefs. Some of them are mine. I differ. Not my style.”

CELTIC FROST reformed in 2001 and released its comeback album “Monotheist” via Century Media/Prowling Death in 2006. The band broke up in 2008, with Fischer going on to form TRIPTYKON.

Image courtesy of Banger TV

Fonte: Blabbermouth.net