The metal community is mourning the death of Allen Blickle, founding drummer of Baroness, who has passed away at the age of 42. Tributes from friends and fellow musicians have confirmed the news.
Blickle was part of Baroness from its inception in Savannah, Georgia, in 2003, and played a vital role in shaping the band’s sound across their first three records: Red Album (2007), Blue Record (2009), and Yellow & Green (2012). His drumming provided the powerful backbone that defined Baroness’ early identity.
In 2012, a serious bus accident in Europe left him with fractured vertebrae. Though he recovered, Blickle chose to part ways with the band in 2013, closing a formative chapter of Baroness’ history.
After leaving, he pursued new ventures including the electronic project Alpaca, performances with A Place to Bury Strangers, and most recently the soul duo Romantic Dividends, who released their debut Giallo in 2025. He also built a parallel career as a sound designer for film, television, and video games.
No cause of death has been disclosed, but his colleagues and fans remember him for his authenticity, creativity, and generosity. His legacy lives on through Baroness’ foundational works and his continued artistic exploration beyond metal.
