Former Malevolent Creation singer Bret Hoffmann (also Down The Drain, Fire For Effect) - who sang on performed on the band’s first three landmark albums releases until he left after 1993's Stillborn - has passed away at the age of 51 after being diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.

His wife Kimberly Karan Hoffmann writes on Facebook: "Today is the saddest day of my life I just lost my soul mate the love of my my best friend has passed away I will always love u Bret Malev Hoffmann RIP my love ❤️❤️."