Miika Tenkula of Sentenced passed away today?

[Aldaron]

This was posted on Blabbermouth today:

Former SENTENCED Guitarist And Main Songwriter MIIKA TENKULA Dead At 35 - Feb. 19, 2009 Miika Tenkula, former lead guitarist and main songwriter of the acclaimed Finnish band SENTENCED, passed away earlier today (Thursday, February 19) at the age of 35.

Nalle Österman (GANDALF, LULLACRY, CHAOSBREED) tells BLABBERMOUTH.NET, "It's true, confirmed personally by [former SENTENCED] drummer Vesa Ranta.

"The fact remains that Miika had a serious drinking problem for many years which escalated after SENTENCED was buried. They don't call it King Alcohol for nothing...

"The metal scene in Finland mourns now for one of the most talented metal guitarists to ever emerge from [the country]."

The official cause of Miika's death has not yet been released.

SENTENCED's posthumous DVD, "Buried Alive", was certified platinum last year in the band's native Finland. The disc topped the official Finnish chart upon its release in late 2006.

The former members of SENTENCED were presented with the platinum award for "Buried Alive" on August 14, 2008 at Century Media Records' 20th-anniversary party at the Tavastia club in Helsinki where ex-SENTENCED singer Ville Laihiala's new band, POISONBLACK, and labelmates NORTHER and KIVIMETSÄN DRUIDI performed.

An e-card for "Buried Alive" DVD, which captures the Finnish band's final performance in their hometown of Oulu, Finland on October 1, 2005, can be accessed at this location. The e-card features a full mock-up of the DVD menu and a taste of "Buried Alive", including one full live song as well as snippets from all chapters.

Directed by Mika Ronkainen of Klaffi Productions, the two-disc set features the entire concert, including a special guest appearance by former SENTENCED vocalist Taneli Jarva.

What terribly sad news if it's true. The only place I can find it posted is on Blabbermouth, so can anyone in Finland confirm? I loved that band and will always be broken-hearted that I didn't get the chance to see them live.

[browneyedgirl]

That is sad.
I will go to their forum in a second and find out for sure if its true.

[browneyedgirl]

http://iltalehti.fi/uutiset/200902199117875_uu.shtml

Says its true. He was found dead at his home.

[Strato4ever]

So sad.. He was a skilled guitarist with style and great composing skills and together with the rest of the band managed to compose songs that will play in our hearts forever.

Lower the flags a good man has passed.

[Ragehead91]

I never listened to Sentencend but it is always sad when someone dies.

Rest in Peace Miika Tenkula...

[eagledreamr]

OMG!
RIP Miika, the world of metal will miss you...

[Babylonian]

Sad thing. Rest in Peace.

[Jaimico]

shit i was really sad when they broke up and now this...Sentenced really has a place in my heart and i'm very sad Miika died... RIP

[NeverendingAbyss]

At least he knows how the afterlife looks like.

[fernandotcl]

Sad indeed. RIP.

Sentenced was a fantastic band.

[Mormegil]

Never been a big fan of Sentenced, but those guys were legendary.
RIP Miika.

[stratoplayer]

Never been a big fan of Sentenced, but those guys were legendary.
RIP Miika.

Ditto