Jill Janus, frontwoman of the band Huntress,committedsuicide on August 14th. The remaining members of the band had this to comment on their Facebook page:
"It is with crushed hearts that we announce that Jill Janus-frontwoman for the California heavy metal band Huntress-passed away on Tuesday, August 14. A long-time sufferer of mental illness, she took her own life outside of Portland, Oregon. Janus spoke publicly about these challenges in hopes of guiding others to address and overcome their mental illness.
Janus was a truly special creative involved with numerous musical projects including her role as vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands TheStarbreakers and Chelsea Girls. In addition, Janus was co-composer and creator of an upcoming rock opera with Trans-Siberian Orchestra's Angus Clark and had a decade-long career as NYC DJ Penelope Tuesdae. Her musical career began in childhood.
Beyond her accomplishments in the music world and her advocacy for mental health issues, she was a beautiful person passionate about her family, animal rescue and the world of natural medicine. She will be missed more than she could have ever known.
If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, Call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. It provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people in suicidal crisis or distress."
Earlier today, Lizzy Hale, frontwoman of HALESTORM, took to her Instagram page to write:
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of our peers. Jill Janus, has died today.
Jill was very open about her struggles with mental health and addiction. Now, more than ever, spanning across every age group, the suicide rate is extremely high.
I'd like to take a moment to state again how important it is to talk about mental health, and remind all of you out there battling demons that you are not alone. I have to navigate my own dark labyrinth and I turn to music and writing for my lifeline. I want to encourage you to keep searching for your lifeline, something that makes you happy. It doesn't matter if no one gets it but you! that's okay!
We need to stop trying to live up to expectations that society places in front of us to make us feel unworthy of love, beauty and success. We need to stop comparing ourselves to others. We need to stop trying to be 'normal.' And we need to stop being quiet about our mental well-being.
Asking for help doesn't mean you're broken. And if you don't know how to ask for help, that's okay too. Those of us who have a shoulder will let you lean on it! We are all in this life together. For those of you with the ability to lend a hand or and ear, DO IT! We have a responsibility to help each other, 'cuz everything we say, do and touch affects the whole race. We are all connected.
"And I'd also like to address how careful We need to be with prescription medications that doctors and people that we trust give us to try to fix us. Some side effects of these meds rewire your brain, to where even if you wouldn't normally have suicidal thoughts, your brain actually starts thinking that it is logical! all due to meds. Please be careful, my loves!
To Jill, my sister of scream, I hope wherever you are, you have found the peace that you couldn't here.
My deepest sympathies go out to Jill's family and her band HUNTRESS during this time."
Biography:
Huntress was spawned from the preternatural union of Jill Janus with underground metal band Professor in Highland Park, CA (2010). Having rapidly released three critically acclaimed studio albums, the melodic heavy metal pentad fast tracked touring the world as a supporting act to metal heavyweights Lamb of God, Arch Enemy, Kreator, Amon Amarth, Killswitch Engage, Testament, Danzig and Dragonforce.
Huntress thrives on thundering drums, heavy riffs, spectral solos and catchy choruses that come from the band's musical concoction of melodic songwriting, occult science and bong rips. Huntress delivers a modern sonic attack while staying true to the roots of heavy metal, with a penchant for thrash, death and black metal.
Huntress released their buzzworthy debut album Spell Eater in 2012 on Napalm Records. One year later in 2013, the critically-acclaimed Starbound Beast became a sophomore success. Lemmy Kilmister penned lyrics for "I Want To Fuck You To Death" which quickly became a radio hit. Their third studio album Static was released on September 25, 2015 to rave reviews. Huntress continues to be driven by a fierce work ethic and a relentless tour schedule. The band is currently writing their fourth studio album.
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"Metal Temple as a whole would like to offer their sincere condolences to Jill's family, friends, band mates and fans.
Never take your sanity for granted! and may she rest in peace now.
News reported by:Jean-François 'Thrashing Assault' Briard"
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More info on Jill Janus:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/HuntressKills
https://https://www.HuntressKills.com
