Dark Angel Guitarist Jim Durkin Dead at 58

Jim Durkin, the founding guitarist of thrash steel veterans Darkish Angel, has died on the age of 58. The unhappy information was shared by his spouse Annie on Fb.

“With a damaged and heavy coronary heart, I need to share that the love of my life, my greatest pal and husband, Jimmy, handed away Wednesday morning,” wrote Annie. “He was not alone as I used to be with him together with a number of shut pals till the tip. He will likely be actually missed and nobody can ever substitute the love I’ve for him. Could he relaxation in peace. Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours … My Immortal Beloved. I’ll see you once more.”

The band additionally confirmed Durkin’s passing, writing, “We within the Darkish Angel household are deeply saddened and crushed in the present day with the information of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning. We want to thank his followers for his or her steady loyalty and help. We’ll come out with a full assertion very quickly. We ask that you simply please respect the household’s privateness whereas we mourn the lack of this nice man.”

Darkish Angel initially fashioned in 1981 in Downey, California, below the title Shellshock earlier than altering their title in 1983. Whereas they by no means achieved the success of fellow California thrash bands like Metallica and Slayer, Darkish Angel are thought-about extremely influential, particularly on the loss of life steel scene.

Durkin was an energetic member of Darkish Angel on the time of his passing, and was the band’s solely remaining authentic member. The remainder of the band is made up of longtime members Eric Meyer (guitar), Gene Hoglan (drums), Mike Gonzalez (bass) and Ron Rinehart (vocals). Hoglan can be well-known for his work in Testomony and Dethklok.

After initially breaking apart in 1992, Darkish Angel reunited for a number of years from 2002 to 2005, earlier than re-forming in 2013 and remaining energetic ever since. The band has launched 4 studio albums, all between 1985 and 1991, with 1986’s Darkness Descends thought to be an all-time thrash traditional. Final 12 months, Hoglan mentioned that Darkish Angel have been engaged on a brand new album for a possible 2023 launch.

Darkish Angel have numerous exhibits lined up for 2023, together with an look on the Milwaukee Metallic Fest in Could, in addition to gigs in Los Angeles and New York Metropolis. It’s unclear whether or not the dates will go on as deliberate.

Our condolences exit to Jim Durkin’s household, pals, and bandmates throughout this troublesome time. Revisit his work with Darkish Angel within the efficiency clips beneath.