Hardcore singer Mike Milford, the frontman and founding member of Scars of Tomorrow, has died at the age of 46.
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Milford had been battling cancer before his death.
News of his passing has shocked fans and friends across the heavy music community, with tributes highlighting both his career onstage and his influence behind the scenes.
Singer Mike Milford Dies at 46 Following Cancer Battle
Scars of Tomorrow announced the sad news through the band's social media pages.
"We're thinking about our friend and singer, Mike Milford, today as we mourn the news of his passing," a statement read.
"Thank you to everyone who supported Mike and Scars over the past two plus decades. If you ever had the privilege of meeting Mike, you know what an amazing person he was."
The band described Milford as "an incredible frontman, artist manager, label exec, father, friend and so much more."
"Our thoughts are with Mike and his family today," the post added. "We hope his legacy lives on through the memories he gave us and all the incredible heavy music he made."
Former Chelsea Grin vocalist Alex Koehler also paid tribute to Milford and highlighted his considerable influence on the wider music scene.
"Mike Milford is a major reason why some of your favorite bands even had the chance to become your favorite bands," he wrote.
Koehler added that while some fans may not recognize Milford's name or face, they have almost certainly listened to a band "he helped build".
Tributes Pour In for Mike Milford
Milford's Scars of Tomorrow bandmates also shared their own emotional tributes.
Bassist Bob Bradley remembered Milford as an "industry wizard" and an "all around amazing guy".
"You were loved by so many and made a huge impact in the heavy music and hardcore scene during our touring days together and well after," Bradley wrote.
"Just thinking about you and praying for your family and all that were there for him during his battle with cancer... RIP and thanks for all the memories my friend."
Scars of Tomorrow formed in 2000 and released All Things Change in 2002 and Design Your Fate in 2003 through Thorp Records.
The band subsequently signed with Victory Records and released three more albums through to 2006.
Their profile continued to grow during the mid-2000s as they toured alongside bands including Himsa, Atreyu and Norma Jean.
Ahead of a tour in 2005, every member except Milford left the group. The frontman assembled a new lineup and continued with the scheduled dates.
Scars of Tomorrow disbanded in 2007 before reuniting in 2010 and continuing to make music in the years that followed.
