According to Blabbermouth and Manowar, the band’s ex-drummer Scott Columbus, who left the band in 2008, has died of yet unknown causes at the age of 54. The official statement, found on Manowar’s official website, reads:

“It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our brother Scott Columbus. Scott Columbus was a rare talent and equally a rare individual. He was a father, a friend and a brother of metal. All of the great moments we spent together in the studio, in our homes and on the road are burnished in our hearts and memories forever. These words are spoken with heavy hearts but we have the comfort of knowing that he is in a good place and at peace. He will never be forgotten.” Your family and brothers, Joey, Eric, Karl, Donnie and all at Magic Circle Music

We here at Teeth of the Divine would like to pass our condolences to those that were close to Scott. Hail and Kill.