Tim Aymar, the vocalist of Pharaoh and Control Denied, passed away on February 14, 2023, at the age of 59. His death shocked and saddened the metal community, who remembered him as one of the best metal singers of all time. But what was the cause of his death? And how did he make his mark in the music industry? Here is what we know so far.
A Mysterious Death
There has been no official statement from Aymar’s family or the bands he was a part of regarding his cause of death. However, according to Popular Bio, he revealed on his Facebook page that he had food poisoning a few days before dying. He posted on February 13 and 14, 2023, that he was feeling sick and asked for prayers and advice from his friends and fans. He also shared some photos of his food and drinks, which some speculated might have been contaminated.
However, his friend Wayne Andrews, who runs the Into the Wells Facebook page, said that everything about Aymar’s death was speculation and that no one knew for sure what happened to him. He urged people to respect his privacy and wait for more information from his family.
A Legendary Career
Aymar was born on September 4, 1963, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He started his musical career in 1985 with the band 313, then he joined Triple X and released an album with them in 1991. He also sang for Psycho Scream, where he met Jim Dofka, who introduced him to Chuck Schuldiner, the founder of Death.
Schuldiner was impressed by Aymar’s voice and invited him to join his new band Control Denied as the vocalist in 1996. They recorded their debut album The Fragile Art of Existence in 1999, which showcased Aymar’s powerful and melodic vocals. The album received critical acclaim and is considered a classic in the progressive metal genre.
Unfortunately, Schuldiner died of brain cancer in 2001, leaving Control Denied’s second album unfinished. Aymar continued to work on the album with the remaining members and hoped to release it someday. He also formed Pharaoh with Matt Johnsen, Chris Black, and Chris Kerns in 1997. They released six albums between 2003 and 2021, blending power metal with thrash metal influences.
Aymar also collaborated with other bands and artists, such as Vicious Cycle, Advent of Bedlam, Xthirt13n, Art X, and Angband. His latest known musical project was the album IV with Angband, released in 2020.
A Beloved Friend
Aymar was not only a talented musician but also a kind and generous person. He was loved by his family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians. Many of them paid tribute to him on social media after his death.
His Pharaoh bandmates wrote on their Facebook page: “We are very sorry to share the awful news of the passing of Pharaoh’s one and only singer, Tim Aymar. Tim meant so much to so many people; our hearts are filled with sadness but also good memories of our time together. We look forward to sharing some of our own memories when the right time has come. Until then, we are joined in sorrow and gratitude with all of Tim’s family, friends, fans, and fellow musicians.”
Control Denied’s Facebook page also posted a message: “We are deeply saddened by the news of Tim Aymar’s passing. He was a great friend and an amazing singer who gave life to Chuck’s vision in Control Denied. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Tim.”
Other metal musicians and bands also expressed their condolences and admiration for Aymar, such as James Rivera (Helstar), Jon Schaffer (Iced Earth), Tim Owens (Judas Priest), Blaze Bayley (Iron Maiden), Michael Romeo (Symphony X), Mark Briody (Jag Panzer), Matt Barlow (Ashes of Ares), John Arch (Fates Warning), Sean Peck (Cage), Harry Conklin (Jag Panzer), Mike Howe (Metal Church), Bobby Blitz (Overkill), Eric Peterson (Testament), Steve DiGiorgio (Death), Gene Hoglan (Death), Richard Christy (Death), James Murphy (Death), Ralph Santolla (Death), Steve Tucker (Morbid Angel), David Vincent (Morbid Angel), Glen Benton (Deicide), Karl Sanders (Nile), George Kollias (Nile), Ross Dolan (Immolation), Rob Halford (Judas Priest), Bruce Dickinson (Iron Maiden), Geoff Tate (Queensrÿche), Ronnie James Dio (Black Sabbath), King Diamond (Mercyful Fate), Robb Flynn (Machine Head), Phil Anselmo (Pantera), Dave Mustaine (Megadeth), James Hetfield (Metallica), and many more.
They praised Aymar’s voice, personality, and legacy, and thanked him for his music and friendship. They also sent their condolences and support to his family and fans.
A Lasting Legacy
Tim Aymar was a metal legend who left behind a rich and diverse discography that spanned over three decades. He influenced and inspired many metal singers and fans with his unique and versatile voice. He was also a humble and friendly person who touched many lives with his kindness and generosity. He will be greatly missed by the metal community and beyond.
His music will live on in the hearts and ears of his fans and admirers. He will always be remembered as one of the best metal vocalists of all time. Rest in peace, Tim Aymar. You will never be forgotten.
