Guitarist Dino Cazares (pictured below) of Los Angeles cyber metallers Fear Factory has released the following statement regarding the passing of Slayer axeman Jeff Hanneman:

"I'm extremely shocked and sad to hear about Jeff Hanneman. He was a huge influence on my playing when I was growing up. He wrote some of the best riffs and lyrics ever!!! Fucking 'Reign In Blood'!!!

"My condolences go out to his family.

"We lost a true legend."

Jeff Hanneman died at about 11 a.m. yesterday (Thursday, May 2) near his Southern California home. He was 49. Hanneman was in an area hospital when he suffered liver failure. He is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Kathy and his brothers Michael and Larry.