MARK SAWICKIS, guitarist for Bloomington, Illinois, U.S.A. death grind warriors IMPETIGO died 2/15/2026 at 58. No cause of MARK SAWICKIS death has been given.
IMPETIGO unleashed "HORROR OF THE ZOMBIES", 6/5/1992 via WILD RAGS RECORDS.
IMPETIGO broke up in 2007..
FROM NASUM:
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mark Sawickis passing - one of the true underground legends. I bought the first LP by Impetigo "Ultimo Mondo Cannibale" when a local record store had a weird night sale. I sort of fell in love with their sludgy death/grind which was drenched in references that I didn't have. However, a few years later I got in touch with Stevo Dobbins, the bass playing singer, and we were pen pals for a while. Stevo was very instrumental in picking out a few songs for the "Necronycism: Distorting the Originals" cover MCD from Necrony.
But in 1999 I met Mark at the Milwaukee Metal Fest when Nasum toured the USA for the first time. Or I should say, Mark met me, because as I remember it, he introduced himself to me. We had never been in touch before, but I am sure that since he was an underground connoisseur of biblical proportions he knew everything about me. We sat down in the Relapse room and had a conversation. I don't remember the details, but I remember that I had a good time.
We might have exchanged a few emails after that, but I never had a proper relationship with him. I sort of miss that now. It's evident today when Facebook is covered with tributes that he was a standout guy and I am happy to have known him, if only for a short conversation back in the Summer of 1999. / Anders
FROM BLACK DEATH NOSTALGIA (FACEBOOK):
This one really hits hard. If you have followed this page for a while then you will know that we hold IMPETIGO in very high regard, so learning about the passing of Mark Sawickis is sad news indeed. I had spoke to him quite a few times over the years, usually just asking for some information about photos or about how much I loved the music of IMPETIGO, but he was always really cool and happy to answer questions in his own humble way. We have just lost one of the original old school die-hards but will never forget what you have given us 
RIP Mark, you absolute legend...
FROM REAPER METAL PRODUCTIONS.
Saddened
to hear the news, RIP Mark Sawickis of Impetigo. Mark was a huge
supporter of metal in general and all my endeavors, one day he showed up
in my inbox and we kept regular correspondence from there after. Always
talking metal, horror and life Mark truly was a pen pal as I only had
the long distance connection. It has been a long time since those days.
Being an icon of the underground metal scene I am glad I got to share a
bit of his story by having him on an episode of HELLCAST for an
interview. I have included a link to the episode in the comments.
FROM BIZARRE LEPROUS PRODUCTIONS:
We stand together with thousands across the underground and far beyond, united in grief.
February 15th, 2026 will be remembered as the day the underground lost one of the true pioneers of extreme music, a spirit whose strings carved paths, shaped sound, and left marks that will never fade.
Thank you, Mark, for everything you gave to this world.
Our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who carried him and his music in their hearts.
FROM PAUL SPECKMANN (MASTER):
This one hits hard, RIP Dear Mark Impetigo, you will be missed by so many! You were a great and kind soul and we met many times over the years, sadly you won't be calling me and asking if it's really me brother!
I'll always charish our friendship brother!
FROM ALEX BOUKS (IMMOLATION):
R.I.P. to my old friend and underground legend Mark Sawickis. This is a sad day and huge loss
FROM SHAXUL MANZER:
I’m a huge IMPETIGO fan, but it was through our shared passions that Mark Impetigo and I first connected: obscure underground scenes, a love for discovering cultures, and traveling. He was living in Asia when we exchanged our first messages. Mark was a simple, deeply endearing man. And a legend. Not only because of his cult band, but also because of his passion for underground music scenes (Metal, Punk, Grind, and beyond). He was a walking encyclopedia and a die-hard maniak.
Our friendship lasted about 25 years, even though, sadly, I never had the chance to meet him in person. I’m devastated by the news of his passing. RIP, my friend.
An IMPETIGO listening session is coming…
FROM CARDIAC ARREST:
RIP
to one of our long time friends and allies of the band, and total
underground metal warrior Mark from Impetigo. See you on the other side,
friend!!!!
FROM AUTOPSY:
If you know anything about the death metal/grind underground, Mark Sawickis and Impetigo should be no stranger to you. (Not to mention the incredible Uni-Force Zine, which Mark also helmed)
The impact and influence they had still ripples and bleeds through the scene today as it rightfully should.
Autopsy and Impetigo share a connection going back to 1987 when we first started corresponding and the news of Mark’s passing is truly crushing.
We send love and support to Mark’s family, friends and bandmates and urge you to crank up some Impetigo loud enough to make your neighbors wonder if they should call the authorities.
R.I.P. Mark. You will be missed immensely.
FROM HELLWITCH:
Mark
was a true underground metal soldier and comrade in arms. One of the
earliest UG supporters of the Witches. Great fanzine guru. Great asset
to the underground Tape trading community and tons more. Gone, but never
forgotten. Forever extolled.
FROM COFFINS:
RIP Mark Impetigo...
FROM BONES (CHICAGO):
Gutted to hear that Mark Sawickis from Impetigo passed away. Mark was always supportive of pretty much every band in the Chicago area, and far beyond, for about 40 years. Whether it was words of encouragement or helping spread the dark gospel with his Uniforce zine, Mark has been a pillar in the underground. His body of work in Impetigo has literally influenced 100s, if not 1000s of bands across the globe, including Bones. If you met him, you knew what a sweet guy he was. Man, we’re gonna miss you Mark. Gone way too soon.
Thanks-Stay Metal, Stay Brutal-\m/ -l- R.I.P.
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