Jill Janus, singer of the metal band Huntress, dies at 43

Jill Janus, lead singer of the heavy metal band Huntress, has died.

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A statement from Janus’ bandmates and family released Thursday through publicist Alexandra Greenberg said Janus had long struggled with mental illness, and killed herself outside Portland, Oregon on Tuesday. She was 43.

Janus fronted Huntress from the group’s inception in Los Angeles in 2009, singing on three full-length albums and on tours with bands including Motorhead and Lamb of God.

The band’s sound was classic thrash-inflected metal, with Janus, one of the few female vocalists in the genre, screaming through songs like “Spell Eater” and “Sorrow.”

Janus had been an advocate for mental health, and encouraged fans who were suffering to seek help. The family statement urges those considering harming themselves to call the national suicide-prevention hotline.

JILL

On behalf of the Janus family and Huntress we share this statement with you:

It is with a heavy heart 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.