It has been reported Peter died of heart failure at age 48. Steele (born Petrus Ratajczyk), the burly 6’7″ bassist and lead vocalist of the Brooklyn metal band, formed Type O in the early ’90s after stints in several other groups, including the hardcore act Carnivore.

He had a dark morbid type sense of humor and chilling lyrics that went along with Type O Negatives intensely deep music.  

A spokesperson for Type O bandmates Kenny Hickey and Johnny Kelly confirmed the report to MTV News on Thursday (April 15).   Garage-Girls will be keeping the band, Peter’s family and all the fans in our thoughts, this is a very sad day in metal.