The lead guitarist for heavy metal band GWAR was found dead on Thursday.  His lifeless body was found by bandmates on their tour bus, RadarOnline.com has learned.

Cory Smoot, whose stage name was Flattus Maximus, was 34-years-old and joined the band in 2002. His body was found as the bus prepared to cross the border into Manitoba, Canada from North Dakota, USA while they were on tour.

"Cory was found deceased this morning as the band prepared for a border crossing. There is no word as to the cause of death and the members of GWAR are completely shocked and devastated that this has occurred," GWAR frontman Dave Brockie said in a statement.