Lajos Sárközi, Hungarian heavy metal guitarist, dies at 59

Lajos Sárközi, a prominent guitarist in the Hungarian heavy metal scene, has passed away at the age of 59 following a long illness. His bandmates in Kalapács announced the news via their official Facebook page, expressing deep sorrow and offering condolences to his family.

Sárközi was a significant figure in the Hungarian underground music scene. He studied guitar under László Nagyfi and a member of the band Pokolgép. His career included influential roles in the bands Sámán, where he became a cult figure in the 1980s Budapest underground scene, and Omen, where he succeeded Tamás Szekeres.

He was a foundational member of Kalapács, a band established in 2000 by vocalist József Kalapács. Sárközi's work on the 1994 studio album Jelek is regarded as a landmark in Hungarian heavy metal. In recent years, health issues had frequently forced him to withdraw from live performances.