Jürgen Bartsch, the founding and one constant member of pioneering German extreme metal band Bethlehem, has passed away after an undisclosed illness. The news was shared by current Bethlehem singer Yvonne “Onielar” Wilczynska.

On Instagram, Onielar wrote (as translated from German), “He has died many times… But death was only temporary. After a serious illness, perseverance, and great fighting spirit, our beloved friend and esteemed founder of Bethlehem – Jürgen Bartsch – passed away on August 27, 2025. In deep sorrow and with a broken heart, In the name of Bethlehem, We will never forget you, Jürgen. Rest in peace.”

Bartsch was the founding bassist and chief songwriter of Bethlehem, whom he founded in 1991. The band is credited with pioneering the DSBM (Depressive Suicidal Black Metal)

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