Evile Bassist Mike Alexander Dies Unexpectedly in Sweden

Mike Alexander, bassist for English thrash metal outfit Evile, has died unexpectedly while the band was on the road in Europe with Amon Amarth. According to a statement from the band's label, Alexander, who died on Oct. 5, took ill suddenly and was rushed to a hospital in Lulea, Sweden, where he was pronounced dead.

Evile's remaining members -- Matt Drake, Ol Drake and Ben Carter -- said in a statement that it was hard to put how they feel following Alexander's passing into words. "We can't believe or accept what's happened," the band says. "One minute, we're talking to our buddy, Mike ... the next minute, we can never speak to him again."

Born in West Ham, London, Alexander was 32 years old and was a founding member of Evile, which formed in 2004. But he and the rest of Evile first started as a cover band in 2000; Alexander responded to a local newspaper ad seeking a 'metal bassist,' and was asked to be a part of the group's first incarnation.

Evile's debut album, 'Enter the Grave,' was recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark and released through Earache in 2007. Evile's second album, 'Infected Nations,' was released on Sept. 21.

"There's so many things rushing through our heads that we want to say, do and feel," the band's statement continues. "We half expect him to come round the corner and call us 'dickheads.' We can't get our heads around it. It upsets us so much that he was away from his family when this happened, although knowing Mike, we're at least glad he was on tour doing what he loves.

"We're lost for words," they added. "We all miss him so much already. He was such a headstrong, genuinely nice guy who loved music and his family. We've got so many brilliant memories with him. Our hearts go out to his daughter, family and friends at this tragic, difficult time. Mike is much loved and is sorely missed. Rest in peace, brother."

Alexander's loss is especially personal for the gang here at Noisecreep, as he and guitarist Drake were the special guests for our second ever ''Creep Show' podcast. Our prayers and thoughts are with the band at this challenging time.