Mike Howe, lead singer of band Metal Church that influenced thrash metal, dead at 55 - USA TODAY

Mike Howe, the lead singer of the heavy metal band Metal Church, has died.

"It is with our deepest regrets that we must announce the passing of our brother, our friend and true legend of heavy metal music," the statement read. "We are devastated and at a loss for words.

The American heavy metal band formed in the 1980s, with Howe joining as lead vocalist later that decade.

"My voice (as a metal singer) is only suited for Metal Church — I wouldn’t want to be in another metal band where I’m the singer," he added