Bob Nalbandian Cause of Death: Famed Heavy Metal Journalist Remembered After Passing

Bob Nalbandian, a renowned producer and journalist in the metal music scene, has died. He was 58.

Nalbandian's cousin first confirmed his death in a statement, saying that he died Friday in Redding, California. The family member added, according to Deadline, that he passed away following his battle against cancer.

The heavy metal icon suffered mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive and rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Lymphoma Research Foundation explains that MCL starts from cells in a person's "mantle zone," referring to the outer ring of small lymphocytes in a lymphatic nodule. It estimates that the disease covers six percent of NHL cases in the U.S.

Among its symptoms include nausea, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits; heartburn, pain in the lower back, and a sense of fullness.

Musicians who worked with him in the past and collaborated with him paid tribute to him as they announced his death to their followers.

Megadeth leader Dave Mustaine said, "Sad news today, my friend Bob Nalbandian, the metal legend who helped me find Marty Friedman, has passed away. We will miss you terribly, Bob. My sincere condolences to his family and friends."

Bob Nalbandian's Legacy

At a young age, Nalbandian already started his career as the publisher and editor-in-chief of the metal fan magazine, The Headbanger, in April 1982. It ultimately became one of the first publications to ever feature Armored Saint, Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, and more bands.

He then started working in different music magazines as a regular contributor before landing on publicity and promotion role at Roadrunner Records. The stint led him to Sepultura and Type O Negative.

Nalbandian expanded his career, even more, when he started working at the Rhino/WEA-distributed Bizarre/Straight Records and managing Eden, an Orange County metal band. He helped the group sign a deal with Enigma/Restless Records.

Among his other international companies included High Vaultage/Metal 4 Muthas, Bandai/Apollon, Polystar, Century Media, Roadrunner Japan, Music for Nations, JVC/Victor, and Cherry Red/Hear No Evil/Universal Music.

He showed off his skills as an editor and podcaster at Hardradio.com before working on his own and self-produced The Shockwaves Skulls Sessions podcast.

Nalbandian did not stop there as he also worked on a series of documentaries about the heavy metal scene with his Inside Metal series.