Jill Janus death: Heavy metal band Huntress singer dies aged 43

Jill Janus, lead singer of the heavy metal band Huntress, has died aged 43, her family and band have said.

Janus had long struggled with mental illness, and took her own life outside Portland, Oregon, on Tuesday, her relatives and bandmates said in a statement on Thursday.

She fronted Huntress from the group's inception in Los Angeles in 2009, singing on three full-length albums and on tours with bands including Motorhead and Lamb Of God.

A statement on Huntress' Facebook page said: "Janus was a truly special creative involved with numerous musical projects including her role as vocalist for female metal/hard rock cover bands The Starbreakers and Chelsea Girls.

"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.

Founding member Blake Meahl said on his Facebook page that he and Janus "spent 9 years together creating a home, having a family and building our passion project Huntress. The devastation of knowing I will never see her again is the most gutting emotion I have ever experienced."

The band's sound was classic thrash-inflected metal, with Janus, one of the few female vocalists in the genre, featuring on songs such as Spell Eater, Eight Of Swords, and Sorrow.

Janus had been an advocate for mental health and encouraged fans who were suffering to seek help. Her struggles with bi-polar disorder nearly brought an end to the band in 2018, but they returned for another album and more touring.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1800 273 8255. Other international suicide helplines can be found at befrienders.org.