Joey Jordison death: Metallica and Anthrax lead tributes to former Slipknot drummer

He was widely considered a 'legend' of the heavy metal music scene

Metallica performing with Joey Jordison at the Download Festival 2016 at Donington Park, England. Getty Images

The heavy metal world has paid tribute to Joey Jordison who died on Sunday aged 46.

His family said the former Slipknot drummer died in his sleep.

No cause of death has been revealed.

“Joey's death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” the family's statement read.

"To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.”

Jordison will be buried in a private funeral.

The remaining Slipknot members, singer Corey Taylor, percussionist Shawn "Clown" Crahan and guitarist Jim Root posted wordless black images on their respective Instagram accounts.

Metal giants Metallica and Anthrax, as well as revered drummer Dave Lombardo, led online tributes from Jordison's peers.

Metallica's Instagram shows an image of singer and guitarist James Hetfield jamming along with Jordison during a concert, with the words "RIP brother".

Anthrax tweeted: “We are saddened by the news of the passing of our friend Joey Jordison. A great musician and person has left us. Sending our love to his family. RIP.”

Lombardo, a pioneering drummer and former member of thrash metal giants Slayer, praised Jordison's abilities.

"I am shocked and saddened ... An incredible musician and songwriter, gone way too soon. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who he touched with his talent. RIP Joey.”

Trivium frontman and guitarist Matthew Heafy described Jordison as a "legend" of the scene: “Joey’s contributions to music changed the face of heavy music on the planet as we know it.”

Artists from non-metal genres also chimed in with tributes, noting Jordison's inventive musicality.

"One of the most ferocious and entertaining we ever played with, what a drummer," said singer Deborah "Skin" Dyer from British alternative rock outfit Skunk Anansie. "Rock has lost another legend."

English folk singer Frank Turner said: "Very sad to hear about Joey Jordison. Never crossed paths but he was an incredible musician.”

Born in Iowa, Jordison co-founded Slipknot in 1995 and the group went on to become one of the most successful acts of its generation, with a reported 30 million albums sold, including 2008's chart-topping All Hope Is Gone.

Known for their visual presentation, which includes death masks, face paint and jumpsuits, and frenetic live shows, Slipknot blended a variety of metal styles with electronic samples and turntablism to fashion an exciting and crushing sound all of their own.

Jordison left the group acrimoniously in 2013. Disputing the band's official announcement that his exit was because of "personal reasons", he responded with a Facebook post stating he was fired.

In 2016, he told Metal Hammer magazine he was diagnosed with the neurological condition transverse myelitis, which limited his ability to play the drums.

Jordison is the second member of Slipknot to have died. In 2010, fellow co-founder and bassist Paul Gray died of a drug overdose at age 38.