๐บ๐๐๐๐ โ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฏ๐๐๐๐๐๐โ ๐จ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐
(๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐, ๐๐๐๐ - ๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐, ๐๐๐๐)
Nocturnal Breed went public on December 14, 2022 with a bitter message. The Norwegian Black/Thrash Metal institution is mourning the loss of a fallen brother - the statement says long-time member Stian "Ben Hellion" Andreassen has recently taken his own life.
In particular, the band used the post to commemorate the musician who spent so many years alongside Nocturnal Breed. It is emphasized that Ben Hellion is also said to have been a great person behind the scenes and away from the band, who is remembered regularly and fondly. To mark this, the group set up a website as a "virtual memorial" for the musician. Rest in peace.
Statement from Nocturnal Breed:
"It is with the deepest sadness of our hearts that we have to announce that our brother and dear friend Stian 'Ben Hellion' Andreassen passed away on December 8th, 2022.
As many of you know, Stian was a 'free spirit' and a rock 'n' roller at heart. He loved traveling the world, meeting fans, drinking beer and fighting when he could. No matter who you were, he was your buddy. And with that in mind, let's remember Stian! Always straight, to the bone and to the point. And always with a cheeky comment in tow that breaks any ice. He was always loyal when he believed in your cause and a true brother to us who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Stian came into the music scene very early and by the age of 13-14 was already the right hand and closest ally of the then forming band Gehenna. He even worked as editor of Genocide Metal magazine before picking up guitar years later and never looking back! His twelve years with Nocturnal Breed made him a true metal guitarist, riffer and creator. And his classics Give 'em Hell and Fields Of Rot have caused worldwide headbanging. He has inspired many young musicians, as we have seen from the many responses over the years.
For the band he was a backbone and a force to be counted on. He always pushed the process and was always willing to sacrifice himself for the greater good. And for that he deserves respect and admiration! A soldier who truly earned his place in the trenches as we journeyed through life and the world together.
Sadly, it was his decision to walk the final steps of his life's journey alone...
Although it is very difficult for his family, it was decided to speak openly about it. Our love and deepest sympathy goes out to all those who were closest to him. We will honor and remember Stian through the fondest memories and through his music. We should respect his decision, no matter how grim and unreasonable it may seem, and remember him, the genuine soul and the creative 'Hellion' that he was!
On behalf of friends and Nocturnal Breed, Gehenna, Deviant and the entire Speed Metal Legions fan club worldwide; Free forever, old friend!
Stian joined Nocturnal Breed as B. Hellion in 1998 and performed with them as their guitarist and backing vocalist until 2010.
His albums credits include the albums, The Tools of the Trade (2000), and Fields of Rot (2007). His credits also include their EP Motรถrmouth (2004), and two split albums, รberthrash (2004), and รberthrash II (2005). Both split EPโs also featured the bands Aura Noir, Infernรถ, and Audiopain.
In 2010, after the band met up for the first time in almost four years, Stian decided to call it quits because of โlack of inspiration and feeling,โ but stressed that he was proud of having been a part of Nocturnal Breed for so many years. He wished the remaining Breedsters the best of luck in the future, and said that he hoped to experience Nocturnal Breed live again as an โaudience member."
Look for these albums featuring Stian 'Ben Hellion' Andreassen:
The Tools of the Trade - December 1999 Holycaust Records (US), Painkiller Records (Norway)
Fields of Rot - 1999 Agonia Records
Bandcamp Link: https://agoniarecords.bandcamp.com/album/fields-of-rot
Apple Music Link: https://music.apple.com/us/album/fields-of-rot/451805353
Motรถrmouth - 2004 Neseblod Records
รberthrash - V/A - April 1, 2004 Duplicate Records
Bandcamp Link: https://duplicaterecords.bandcamp.com/album/berthrash
รberthrash II - V/A - April 1, 2005 Duplicate Records
Bandcamp Link: https://duplicaterecords.bandcamp.com/album/berthrash-ii
(If you struggle with suicidal thoughts and feelingsโฆ Please reach out. Donโt get stuck in that dark bubble or on those social medias. Find real people and find a new path. There is always a way!)
Here is the link to the official memorial page:
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