As [article id="1637106"]news of his death[/article] continues to spread, friends and fans of towering [artist id="1278"]Type O Negative[/artist] frontman Peter Steele remembered the man with the black sense of humor, even blacker sense of fashion and a bellow that resonated for more than two decades.

"We have lost several artists over the years, but this is a biggie -- this one hurts the most," Roadrunner Records A&R man Monte Conner, who first signed the band to the label in 1989, said in a statement posted Thursday (April 15). "Not just because Peter was a great, great guy, but he figures so prominently in the history of this company. He was a tortured soul for most of his life, and certainly for the entire time we all knew him. Let's hope he is in a better place."

Members of Hatebreed, who toured with Type O Negative in 2008, released a statement praising Steele's status and friendliness, the latter of which only those who knew him best got to experience.

"Hatebreed would like to extend our condolences to the family, friends and fans of Peter Steele. He is one of the best guys we've ever toured with and a true legend," the statement read. "There will never be anyone else like him. May he rest in peace."

Dez Fafara, frontman of California metal act Devildriver, echoed those sentiments.

"Peter Steele was one of the nicest guys in music. He was always kind to me through the years. I toured many times with Type O and was always taken care of. [He was a] big guy with a huge heart," Fafara said in a statement. "My heart goes out to his band, his family, and his many friends around the world ... we have all lost a legend, a voice that will never be duplicated."

Biohazard vocalist Evan Seinfeld remembered Steele not just for his kindness, but for the influence his music -- in Type O Negative and before that in thrash outfit Carnivore -- played in his life.

"R.I.P. my friend, brother and mentor, Peter Steele," Seinfeld wrote on his Twitter page. "[He was] my single biggest musical influence. I f---ing miss you so much already. I love you, brother. I hope you are in a better place."

Fan tributes to Steele flooded the forum of Type O Negative's official site, causing the band to briefly shut the section down. It's since been re-opened, and a brief statement from the group said that fans can expect "statements from the band and family later today ... thank you for your understanding and support."