Huntress has commented about the tragic death of their vocalist Jill Janus: 

"It is with crushed hearts 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 meta l /hard rock cover bands The Starbreakers 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."

Tributes are pouring in from members of the hard rock and heavy metal community:

Nita Strauss (The Starbreakers, Alice Cooper):  "The first time I met Jill Janus was in 2009. Huntress had just released their first record. On the first day of the tour, Jill bounced into every dressing room in the building, wearing an undecipherable black metal logo shirt and chirping 'Hi! I’m Jill from Huntress. This is our dog, Party Time' while thrusting this tiny chihuaua with a spiked collar in everyone’s face. I remember thinking... this girl is WAY different from any musician I’ve ever met.

I didn’t realize then HOW different, or that I would share the stage with Jill so many times. From belting out Maiden songs at my birthday party to our cover band, the Starbreakers, Jill brought that same level of enthusiasm to everything she did.

Jill got sober shortly after I did. I remember when she finally got sober, the next time I saw her at rehearsal she brought me an amethyst pendant she had made herself with the AA symbol attached. 'This will keep you safe, and strong,' she told me. 'Just keep it near you.' It HAS kept me strong, more so than she probably knew. I told her not too long ago about the many times I had escaped to bathrooms at events or bars and taken her little charm out of my purse to hold it and remind myself not to drink. She loved it. She made me take the pendant out of my purse to show her. I still have it with me now.

Jill struggled with depression and mental illness for most of her life. I wouldn’t have known it unless she spoke about it so publicly. As a friend, she was kind, passionate, and generous, supportive to a fault, and ALWAYS willing to go the extra mile. Her vocal range was like no one I ever heard (she covered 5 octaves during our shows) and her dynamic performance style made everyone who saw her an instant convert. Thinking of my friend alone somewhere in a dark enough place to take her own life is more than I can fathom. Sending all the strength and love in the world to her Huntress band mates and loving boyfriend Blake... it was an honor to know your girl.

Miss you, love you, and hope you have found the peace you needed.

If you’re reading this and you met Jill or saw her play, leave a comment below about it so we can all celebrate her life together."

Courtney Cox (The Starbreakers, Iron Maidens):  "No words can describe how I feel right now. Tell your friends that you love them everday 💔 #rip Jill , my friend.... the world has lost a great voice. I hope you are at peace."

Emily Ruvidich (The Starbreakers, Paradise Kitty):  "Beyond devastated. I love Jill like a sister. I have no words. None. She was the most beautiful person I’ve ever met, inside and out. She’s helped me so much and was always there for me. Held my hand through hard times. I’ve never met anyone as caring and selfless as Jill. I’m beyond heartbroken. I love you Jill. Tell your friends and family every day how much they mean to you because you never know when you won’t have the chance anymore. ❤️ I can’t stop crying. Absolutely heartbroken. The world has lost a beautiful soul."

Phil Campbell (Motörhead​):  "Very sad to hear about the passing of Jill Janus of Huntress. They were great on the Motorboat. May she rest in peace."

Corey Parks (former Nashville Pussy bassist):  "I’m still crying and in shock ... can’t write, can’t think, and completly overwhelmed by sadness."

Diemonds:  "We are shocked and saddened by the passing of our sister Jill Janus of Huntress. Lots of heavy hearts in heavy metal today. Lots of love to those who are hurting."

Thy Will Be Done:  "Deeply saddened by the news of Jill Janus passing beyond the veil. You fought long and hard. May you be at Rest."

(Huntress band photo by Sawa, Starbreakers band photo by Neil Zlozower)