Jürgen Bartsch, the founding member of Germany's dark metal formation Bethlehem, has passed away. Bethlehem's record label, Prophecy Productions, offers its condolences: "It is with great sadness and dismay that we have received the dreadful news of Jürgen Bartsch's passing. Bethlehem's singer Onielar posted the following statement (here translated from German) on her Instagram account: 'After a serious illness, perseverance and great fighting spirit, our beloved friend and esteemed band founder Jürgen Bartsch passed away on 27 August 2025. In deep mourning and a broken heart, on behalf of Bethlehem'.

Our first thoughts go out to his family and friends, to whom we extend our most heartfelt condolences. We also understand that this sad message will be difficult to come to terms with for his many fans and followers. It is a feeling that all of us at Prophecy Productions share. We are in shock and mourning as the spirit of this label has always been one of community and a big family, including the artists.  

The label's founder, Martin Koller, writes: 'My heartfelt condolences go out to Jürgen's family and friends. I am still in shock, It is hard to deal with this loss and to convey in a few words what a wonderful human being and brilliant artist Jürgen was - as that needs to be left for later: now we are all bound by grief and sorrow. Rest in Peace, Jürgen!'"

Our condolences, Tomaz and Jerneja from Terra Relicta Link