Deicide

Deicide emerged into the death metal scene in 1987 from Florida, USA under the name of Amon. After releasing two demos as "Amon," they changed their name to Deicide in 1990 and released their self-titled album shortly afterwards.

Only two original members of the band remain: Glen Benton (bass/vocals)and Steve Asheim (drums)

Glen Benton, whose controversial lyrics cover such topics as Satan and death, showed his hatred for Christianity by branding a red-hot inverted cross to his forehead until his skin scarred in that shape. He later sold that cross on Ebay.

The manner of Glen Benton's anti-christianity has been a matter of debate for Deicide fans even from the early days of the band. It seems that in the first three albums -"Deicide" (1990), "Legion" (1993) and "Once Upon the Cross" (1995) - Benton's Satanism resembled a cult, making use of sacrificial elements in the lyrics and calling upon the demons of the Christian myths. Since "Serpents of the Light" released in 1997, a more sophisticated form of Satanism has been noted - focusing instead on mankind's potential for advancement.

Deicide have released seven full-length albums thus far, plus a live album and a DVD, and are currently still active on Roadrunner records.

"The Stench of Redemption", Deicide's latest onslaught against Christanity, was released in 2006.

Deicide's ninth studio album entitled "Till Death Do Us Part", the follow-up to 2006's "The Stench of Redemption" promises to be Deicide's "most savage and aggressive [offering] to date," according to a press release. Drummer Steve Asheim has begun the process by laying down drum tracks on a set of songs that retain all the high-speed intensity of the last album, but throw in a few surprises along the way.

Commented Asheim: "The songs will have a very evil and chaotic nature to them and will include the extensive arrangements and riffage that made 'Stench...' so great. "There's no mistaking... it's Deicide. It feels like a cross between 'Stench...' and 'Legion', and is definitely the next logical step for Deicide."


On May 24, 2007, Deicide Parted Ways With Ralph Santolla.