Argentine heavy metal drummer Pato Strunz dies at 59

The Argentine heavy metal scene is mourning the loss of Claudio “Pato” Strunz, a highly influential drummer, who died at the age of 59. Strunz was best known as the historic drummer for the iconic band Hermética and as a founder of Malón.

Malón confirmed Strunz's passing through an Instagram post that read, “Rest in peace, Pato Strunz. For all the good times shared, the kilometers traveled together. The music remains. Have a good journey.” The message was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans on social media.

Fans remembered Strunz's significant contributions to the national metal genre, with many calling him “one of the best drummers Argentina has produced.” Some users noted his symbolic reunion with Ricardo Iorio, the late leader of Hermética, suggesting they would now play together in the afterlife. Condolences were also extended to his family and loved ones.

Many expressed their shock and sadness, with one fan lamenting, “I was going to see him this Saturday, tremendous. I wanted to see the ‘fragments’ of Hermética and feel something from those years that I clearly didn't live.” The shared sentiment was that Strunz's death leaves a profound void in the Argentine metal community, with one user summarizing, “Have a good journey, Pato. Today metal is in mourning, thank you for everything. Today we have enormous sadness.”