Jürgen Bartsch of Bethlehem has passed away

Following an unspecified illness, Jürgen Bartsch, the founder member and sole member of the groundbreaking German extreme metal band Bethlehem, passed suddenly. Current Bethlehem singer Yvonne “Onielar” Wilczynska conveyed the news. Bartsch established Bethlehem in 1991 and served as its first bassist and lead composer. The band is recognized for having invented the DSBM (Depressive Suicidal Black Metal) subgenre. They combined black metal with doom metal on a number of significant albums in the 1990s, such as “Dark Metal” (1994) and “Dictius te necare” (1996). On behalf of the Chaoszine team, our deepest sympathies to Bartsch’s family, friends and loved ones.

He has died many times…

But the death was only temporary.

After a serious illness, perseverance and great fighting spirit died on 27.08.2025

Our beloved friend, esteemed band founder of Bethlehem –

Jürgen Bartsch

In deep grief and broken hearts

In the name of Bethlehem

We will never forget you, Jürgen.

Rest in peace

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