Rock music world stunned as heavy metal queen dies at 46: ‘This is terribly sad’

EntertainmentSuzanne Slaugher died recently. Getty ImagesBy Brian Linder | blinder@pennlive.comThe rock music world has lost another beloved figure with the death of Suzanne Slaughter.Slaughter, who has been called the “Queen of Australian Black Metal,” died on Oct. 18 of complications from surgery. She was just 46. According to reports, she had been dealing with a chronic medical condition that she had kept private before undergoing surgery. Utopia Records shared the news of her death on social media. “The Queen of Australian Black Metal has sadly passed away,” the post read. “With profound sadness, I share the news that Suzanne has passed away peacefully this morning at 10:12 am surrounded by friends and family. “Suzanne was a strong, beautiful and fiercely independent woman,” the post added. “She was resilient, intelligent, creative, with a sharp mind and a wicked sense of humour. Above all, she possessed a remarkable strength of spirit and character, and an enduring optimism despite the medical challenges she faced throughout her life. Suzanne was an absolute force of nature in every way possible and will be greatly missed by many.”Slaughter, whose real name was Suzanne Elizabeth Britcher, was known for her work in the underground metal and gothic scenes and in podcasting. Fans were quick to respond to the news of her death on social media. “Suzanne/ Séance put music in front of me that would’ve otherwise gone completely missed,” Dale Sperring replied to Utopia Records’ post. “This is terribly sad.”“Wow, I can’t believe it,” Peter Kotevski wrote. “She was an awesome person and will be greatly missed. My condolences to her family and friends. R.I.P.”Brian Linder is the trending editor at PennLive.com. He has more than 20 years of experience working for newspapers first in South Carolina, then Daytona Beach, Florida and now in Pennsylvania. Linder spent...