Eric Cook, guitarist for the legendary power/progressive metal band LETHAL, has lost his battle with cancer.

The Kentucky-based LETHAL was founded by Tom Mallicoat and the Cook brothers, Eric and Glen. In 1990, after the arrival of drummer Jerry Hartmann, Metal Blade Records released their debut album, "Programmed", which was instantly proclaimed a progressive/power metal classic the world over.

In 1994, LETHAL independently released "Your Favorite God", a five-song EP (featuring new guitarist David McElfresh) which immediately sold out. "Your Favorite God" showed LETHAL going in a heavier direction, with such outstanding songs as "Waiting On The Kill" and "Hard To Breathe".

LETHAL's last release, the album "Poison Seed" (1995), set new standards for progressive metal bands with its sheer musical brilliance, which featured "Down", "Walking Wounded", and the title track.

LETHAL played its first show in ten years at the Chicago Powerfest in 2007 and also performed at Keep It True and Bang Your Head!!! festivals that same year, as well as at Headbangers Open Air in 2008.

Commented Keep It True festival organizer Oliver Weinsheimer: "I am in a state of shock.

"I got in contact with Eric in 2006 through our mutual friend Martin Brandt and was able to book him and LETHAL for their very first European show at Keep It True in 2007. As expected, it went down triumphant and after that we stayed in touch I tried to help them getting further with new music and more gigs. I met the guys again at the gigs at Headbangers Open Air and Bang Your Head!!! and then it got a bit quiet around them 'till today I got this shocking news.

"Eric was one of the nicest musicians I ever worked with and a real gentleman.

"The whole next Keep It True will be dedicated to his honor and we will try to arrange a final farewell/tribute LETHAL show for Keep It True 2014. This is something he deserves for all the beautiful music and joy he gave to us.

"The whole Keep It True family sends their condolences to his family, friends and his bandmembers, who all go through dark times right now.

"RIP, my friend..."

Video below: LETHAL performing live at Headbangers Open Air festival on July 25, 2008



Video below: LETHAL performing live at Keep It True festival in 2007