The black metal world is in mourning following the tragic news of the passing of legendary drummer Nicholas Barker, who died at the age of 51. Known for his blistering speed, technical skill, and explosive power behind the kit, Barker played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of modern extreme metal. His former band, Dimmu Borgir, released a heartfelt statement earlier today expressing their deep sorrow.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of our brother in metal, Nicholas Barker. His drumming was thunder incarnate, and he left an indelible mark on our band and the entire metal scene. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and every fan he inspired around the world.”
Barker joined Dimmu Borgir in 1999 and contributed to their critically acclaimed 2001 album Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia, a release that is still regarded as one of the band’s most ambitious and genre-defining records. His precise, machine-gun-style drumming became a hallmark of the band’s evolving symphonic black metal sound. Prior to his work with Dimmu Borgir, Barker had also risen to prominence with UK death metal pioneers Cradle of Filth, where he helped bring black metal to a wider audience during the mid to late ‘90s.
Although his time with Dimmu Borgir was relatively brief, the impact he made was monumental. His collaboration with the band during a crucial phase in their career helped elevate them from underground icons to global metal powerhouses.
According to close sources, Barker had been battling health issues in recent years, though he kept most details private. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed, but it is believed to be related to ongoing complications stemming from those health struggles.
Tributes have poured in from across the metal community. Musicians from bands such as Behemoth, Emperor, and Slipknot took to social media to honor his memory. Nergal of Behemoth posted:
“Nicholas Barker was a beast behind the drums and a gentle soul offstage. He was one of the first to make blast beats an art form. Rest easy, brother.”
Dimmu Borgir has announced they will dedicate their upcoming European tour dates to Barker’s memory, with a special on-stage tribute planned at Wacken Open Air this summer.
Nicholas Barker’s influence will live on not only in the music he created but also in the thousands of drummers he inspired. In the world of black and extreme metal, he will forever remain a titan.
