Even if you don’t know Justin Bartlett, you know the man’s (often credited at Vberkvlt) work. From his intricate album art for underground favorites Cadaver, Dragged into Sunlight, Trap Then and Hooded Menace, to his engaging logo design, which includes the art for the first Decibel Magazine Tour back in 2012, Justin’s work has likely been a part of your record collection or wardrobe.
If you do know Justin Bartlett, then you’re no doubt aware that he’s one of the funniest, warmest personalities in the entire underground metal scene. So, the news that he’s stricken with stage 4 colorectal cancer is going to hit you as hard as it has hit Decibel. Justin’s sister, who fought cancer herself nearly a decade ago, has established a GoFundMe to help with the significant medical expenses that are compounded by Justin’s inability to currently work. He and his family have a long difficult road ahead of them so, please, if you can, consider donating to help.
From Justin’s Sister (Fundraiser Organizer):
As I dropped him off at his Oncology appointment, I looked at my brother and I said, “Justin, this sucks so much.” With pain and exhaustion in his eyes, he replied, “And… this is just the beginning.” Shortly after that conversation, it was confirmed that my brother, Justin Bartlett, has Stage 4 Colorectal Cancer. We had our suspicions based on his symptoms, and the cryptic scan results that had been sent home with him from his latest Emergency Room stay. Since then he’s already had three surgeries, and is due to start chemotherapy soon.
Justin is one of my best friends. He’s funny, intelligent, generous, and extremely talented. He has his own business working as a graphic designer & gallery artist — most famously in the heavy metal music genre. If you’re a metal fan, you’ve seen some of his album cover work and merchandise designs. He’s got a LONG road ahead of him, and needs help with medical and living expenses because he’s too exhausted and in pain to work.
Donate to Justin Bartlett’s GoFundMe campaign here.
