The metal world mourns the death of drummer Tonmi Lillman who has died at the age of 38. His manager Matti Remes has issued the following tribute:

One of the greatest Finnish front line musicians has passed away. Wikipedia tells the legend, but many does not know who he really was.

During his long and colourful career Tonmi had the time to influence in many different bands, fex. Played drums in LORDI as Otus, TO/DIE/FOR, AJATTARA, SINERGY, VANGUARD and with N.D.C.I.C. that was his latest new band. They had just finished recording their debut album, and it shall be the last evidence of his recorded career.

Tonmi was a great man. Loyal to his friends, a true professional for his co workers. In many ways he was a straight forward type of a guy, he always knew what he wanted and how to get it, still managing to be a fair, and an honest man. Tonmi (Otus) played the drums in Lordi. He also was responsible for the graphic desing on Lordi ?s European tour ?s backround animations, and visual designs of all their merchadise.

As a producer Tonmi was well known, and he influenced on many albums also as a player and mixing engineer, like: BEHERIT, BLOODRIDE, CHAINHILL, D-CREATION, FIERCE, FEAR OF DOMINATION, HEOROT, IN SILENTIO NOCTIS, LIE IN RUINS, MYGRAIN, SAATTUE, SERENE DECAY, SERVED DEAD, V FOR VIOLENCE.

But for many of us Tonmi Lillman was a friend. An advisor. A man who never pursued his own agendas before others. I see myself as privileged to known him and calling him as my friend.

I will miss you so much, my friend."