Swedish Blackened Death Metal pioneers SACRAMENTUM have confirmed the passing of their founding member Nisse Karlén, who died by suicide following a long struggle with mental health.

The band issued the following statement: “With deep sorrow, we share the heartbreaking news that our dear friend, band member, and one of the founders of  SACRAMENTUM, Nisse Karlén, has passed away. He chose to leave this world due to struggles with mental health.

“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy for his family, friends, and bandmates as we come to terms with this loss. Thank you for everything, Nisse. You will always be with us. Suicide is never to be glorified.”

Karlén co-founded SACRAMENTUM in the early 1990s, originally under the name TUMULUS, before adopting the moniker that would become synonymous with the Swedish melodic black/death metal scene. The band’s 1996 debut “Far Away from the Sun” is considered a cult classic, influencing countless bands within the genre.