Phil Western, a Canadian electronic and post-industrial artist who worked on several projects with Skinny Puppy's cEvin Key, such as Download and PlatEAU, and also engineered, remixed or played on tracks for such heavyweights as Nine Inch Nails, Metallica and Bryan Adams, died Feb. 9 of a suspected accidental drug overdose. He was 47.
The latest Download album, Unknown Room, is scheduled for release March 8 on Artoffact. Western also released several solo albums, including 2017's Neuro-Plastique.
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we, Phil's family, want to make this official announcement of his death this past week," it reads on Western's personal Facebook page. "The family are awaiting the Coroner's investigation into an official time and cause of death but we believe it was an accidental overdose. We will update when we receive further information. Phil was loved by so many of us. He was funny, intelligent, deep, creative and so many other wonderful things. We will miss him more than we could ever accurately convey. Much love to all those who are grieving with us. Phil's family xo."