A private home in a French village provided the setting of tragedy today. The renowned bassist of Ministry, Killing Joke and Prong, Paul Raven was found dead with initial reports indicating that it was a heart attack. Raven had been working on a new project in Geneva with the likes of Treponem Pal on their new release, with Marco Neves, Ted Parsons (Prong) and members of The Young Gods.

In Wolverhampton UK in 1961, Paul Vincent Raven replaced Killing Joke’s original bassist in 1982 and held a fruitful tenure with the band on albums like Fire Dances, Night Time and Brighter than a Thousand Suns. His career also saw participation in Prong, Murder, Inc., Pigface, Godflesh, he teamed up with Al Jourgenson and Ministry in 2005 for Rio Grande Blood, an endeavor that would bring him a Grammy nomination in 2006 for Best Metal Performance and a world tour. Raven helped Jourgensen and Prong’s Tommy Victor pen the September 18, 2006 Ministry release The Last Sucker, Ministry’s final studio release.

Al Jourgenson lamented, “I am in total shock. The world of music is a sadder, emptier place. Not only was Raven an extraordinary talent, but one of my closest dearest friends. Our condolences and prayers go to his immediate family. He will be truly missed by artists, musicians and his fans the world over. The one consolation is knowing Raven’s already hooked up with the right people and started a new project in the After Life. God’s speed, Raven. Rest In Peace, you ***** pirate.”

Mob Research, Raven’s final project was in the final mixing stages and slated for an early 2008 release at the time of his passing. It features Warrior Soul and The Mission UK.

A memorial dedicated to the life and art of Paul Raven is being held at the link below.www.thirteenthplanet.com