Argentine heavy metal legend Claudio 'Pato' Strunz dies at 59

Claudio 'Pato' Strunz, the iconic drummer of Argentine heavy metal bands Hermética and Malón, died on Monday at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by his family and through Malón's social media accounts, sparking an outpouring of tributes from the music community. While no official cause of death was given, sources close to the musician suggested a heart attack. Source: lavozar

Career highlights

• Strunz joined Hermética in 1991, replacing Tony Scotto, and played on the seminal albums Ácido Argentino (1991) and Víctimas del Vaciamiento (1994). Source: clarin
• After Hermética disbanded in 1995, he co-founded Malón with Claudio O'Connor, Antonio Romano, and Karlos Cuadrado, releasing influential thrash metal records. Source: infobae
• He also participated in the Monsters of Rock festival alongside Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Kiss. Source: clarin

Beyond the stage

Strunz founded and managed La Cueva, a rehearsal space in La Tablada that became a hub for emerging bands. Source: lavozar After leaving Malón in 2021, he continued with projects like the trio Íthaca, which released the album El peso que no pesa in 2024, and the tribute show 'Hermética x Pato Strunz.' Source: infobae

Lasting legacy

In a recent interview, Strunz praised former bandmate Ricardo Iorio as "one of the best poets that existed" and said he carried Hermética "in his blood." The metal community mourns the loss of a drummer whose power and passion defined Argentine heavy metal for decades.