In Memoriam: Martin Eric Ain

Founding Celtic Frost bassist Martin Eric Ain has died from a heart attack. He was 50 years old.

Born in the United States, Ain joined the Swiss extreme metal band Hellhammer in 1983. The group became deeply influential on black metal and is considered a pioneering band in death metal. They disbanded in 1984 with members founding another influential band: Celtic Frost.

Though band members changed out through the years, Ain would be a major figure in the band. He recorded on Morbid Tales, Into the Pandemonium, and Vanity/Nemesis as well as the final studio album, Monotheist.

Check out Celtic Frost at Wacken 2006:

Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Martin Eric Ain.