Deceased

Arlington, Virginia, United States (1985 — Present.)

DECEASED arose in 1985, drawing inspiration from BLACK SABBATH, VENOM, VOIVOD, RAVEN, MERCYFUL FATE, SLAYER, and SODOM. From 1985 to 1989, DECEASED recorded and circulated three demos (The Evil Side of Religion, Birth by Radiation, and Nuclear Exorcist) that galvanized their reputation as trailblazers of original, technical American death metal. The 1988 hit-and-run death of bassist Rob Sterzel brought Les Snyder into the fold, completing the quintessential DECEASED lineup (rounded out by King Fowley on drums/vocals and Mark Adams and Mike Smith on guitars). Extensive self-promotion and frequent gigging up and down the East Coast brought the band to the attention of a brand-new label, Relapse Records, with DECEASED being the first band to sign.

For a more in-depth history of the band, visit their official website and read "The History of the Band" and "Photo History."