Jim Durkin, Dark Angel’s guitarist, dead at 58

Jim Durkin, guitarist for American thrash metal group Dark Angel, has died aged 58. The news was confirmed by his wife Annie, who called him “my immortal beloved”, on Facebook.

“With a broken and heavy heart, I want to share that the love of my life, my best friend and husband, Jimmy, passed away Wednesday morning,” wrote Annie. “He was not alone as I was with him along with a few close friends until the end. He will be truly missed and no one can ever replace the love I have for him. May he rest in peace. Ever Thine, Ever Mine, Ever Ours … My Immortal Beloved. I will see you again.”

The Californian band also confirmed Durkin’s passing, writing, “We in the Dark Angel family are deeply saddened and crushed today with the news of our brother and founder Jimmy Durkin passing away Wednesday morning. We would like to thank his fans for their continuous loyalty and support. We will come out with a full statement very soon. We ask that you please respect the family’s privacy while we mourn the loss of this great man.”

Dark Angel was formed in 1981 in Downey, California, under the name Shellshock before changing their name in 1983. While they never achieved the success of fellow California thrash bands like Metallica and Slayer, they are considered highly influential, especially on the death metal scene. Jim Durkin was an active member of Dark Angel at the time of his passing and was the band’s only remaining original member.