In another sign of a depressed global economy, the lights have gone dim on Blender Magazine. After 8 years, the mag popular for its profiles and pictorials on music’s biggest stars has been shut down, Conde Nast publishers announced on Thursday.

“Blender has provided unmatched music coverage and entertainment news in its unique voice to a profoundly dedicated audience of music enthusiasts since 2001. However, given the reality of the current economic climate, we are unable to continue publication,” AMG CEO Stephen Duggan said in a statement. “We are grateful to the sales team and to the tremendously talented editorial staff for their hard work and commitment to Blender.”

According to AdvertisingAge.com, the decision, delivered to Blender staff in a meeting this morning, came as part of broader changes that also included the departure of Alpha co-CEO Glenn Rosenbloom and the integration of editorial staff for Maxim and Maxim Digital.

“It saddens me because at one point it was a very smart and relevant magazine,” says Malcolm Campbell, founding publisher of Blender and publisher of Spin. Spin will continue printing as usual.

R.I.P Blender….