10 Best Death Rock Bands of All Time
Death rock is a subgenre of rock music that incorporates horror elements and gothic theatrics. It emerged from punk rock on the West Coast of the United States in the early 1980s. It overlaps with the gothic rock and horror punk genres. Some of the characteristics of death rock are: driving, repetitive rhythm section; chorus effects on guitars; introspective and surreal lyrics; and horror and sci-fi themes. Death rock bands have influenced and inspired many other artists and genres, such as industrial, darkwave, post-punk, and metal.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best death rock bands of all time. This will be based on their popularity, originality, and legacy.
10. Super Heroines
Super Heroines was an all-female death rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1981. The band consisted of Eva O, Sandra Ross, and Jill Emery. They released two albums, Cry for Help (1982) and Souls That Save (1983), and a compilation, Love and Pain (1993). Their music was also dark, aggressive, and emotional, with themes of alienation, despair, and violence.
Super Heroines was one of the first female-fronted death rock bands. They influenced many other female artists in the genre, such as Gitane Demone, Dinah Cancer, and Siouxsie Sioux.
9. Kommunity FK
Kommunity FK was a death rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1978. The band was led by Patrick Mata, who was also the vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter. They released three albums, The Vision and the Voice (1983), Close One Sad Eye (1985), and La Santisima Muerte (2006), and several singles and EPs. Their music was also experimental, atmospheric, and psychedelic, with influences from glam rock, industrial, and noise.
Kommunity FK was one of the pioneers of death rock, and coined the term “deathrock” to describe their sound. They also collaborated with other influential artists, such as Rozz Williams, Christian Death, and Bauhaus.
8. 45 Grave
45 Grave was a death rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1980. The band consisted of Dinah Cancer, Paul Cutler, Don Bolles, and Rob Graves. They released two albums, Sleep in Safety (1983) and Autopsy (1987), and a compilation, Only the Good Die Young (1993). Their music was also fast, catchy, and humorous, with themes of horror, gore, and satire.
45 Grave was one of the most popular and influential death rock bands. They had a crossover appeal with punk, metal, and goth audiences. They also contributed to several horror movie soundtracks, such as Return of the Living Dead (1985) and Night of the Demons (1988).
7. Alien Sex Fiend
Alien Sex Fiend was a death rock band from London, formed in 1982. The band was led by Nik Fiend and Mrs. Fiend, who were also the vocalists, keyboardists, and producers. They released over 20 albums, including Who’s Been Sleeping in My Brain? (1983), Acid Bath (1984), Here Cum Germs (1987), and Death Trip (2010). Their music was also chaotic, distorted, and psychedelic, with influences from electronic, industrial, and dub.
Alien Sex Fiend was one of the most original and innovative death rock bands. They created a unique style and image that was both scary and funny. They also had a loyal and cult following, especially in Europe and Japan.
6. The Cramps
The Cramps was a death rock band from New York, formed in 1976. The band was led by Lux Interior and Poison Ivy, who were also the vocalist and guitarist, respectively. They released over 10 albums, including Songs the Lord Taught Us (1980), Psychedelic Jungle (1981), A Date with Elvis (1986), and Fiends of Dope Island (2003). Their music was also raw, energetic, and retro, with influences from rockabilly, garage, and surf.
The Cramps was one of the earliest and most influential death rock bands. They are considered the founders of the psychobilly genre. They also had a huge impact on the punk, goth, and alternative scenes. The band inspired many other artists, such as The Misfits, The Gun Club, and The White Stripes.
5. The Damned
The Damned was a death rock band from London, formed in 1976. The band consisted of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, and Brian James. They released over 10 albums, including Damned Damned Damned (1977), Machine Gun Etiquette (1979), The Black Album (1980), and Phantasmagoria (1985). Their music was also diverse, adventurous, and melodic, with influences from punk, pop, and goth.
The Damned was one of the first and most influential death rock bands. They are considered the first British punk band to release a single, an album, and tour the United States. They also had a significant influence on the gothic rock and post-punk movements. The band inspired many other artists, such as The Cure, The Sisters of Mercy, and The Smiths.
4. The Misfits
The Misfits was a death rock band from New Jersey, formed in 1977. The band was led by Glenn Danzig, who was also the vocalist, songwriter, and producer. They released three albums, Walk Among Us (1982), Earth A.D./Wolfs Blood (1983), and Famous Monsters (1999), and several singles and EPs. Their music was also fast, loud, and catchy, with themes of horror, sci-fi, and violence.
The Misfits was one of the most popular and influential death rock bands. They are considered the founders of the horror punk genre. They also had a huge impact on the metal, hardcore, and alternative scenes. The band inspired many other artists, such as Metallica, Black Flag, and Nirvana.
3. Bauhaus
Bauhaus was a death rock band from Northampton, formed in 1978. The band consisted of Peter Murphy, Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins. They released four albums, In the Flat Field (1980), Mask (1981), The Sky’s Gone Out (1982), and Burning from the Inside (1983), and several singles and EPs. Their music was also dark, atmospheric, and experimental, with influences from glam, dub, and art rock.
Bauhaus was one of the most original and influential death rock bands. They are considered the pioneers of the gothic rock genre. They also had a huge influence on the post-punk and darkwave movements. The band inspired many other artists, such as Joy Division, The Cult, and Nine Inch Nails.
2. Christian Death
Christian Death was a death rock band from Los Angeles, formed in 1979. The band was led by Rozz Williams, who was also the vocalist, songwriter, and artist. They released over 10 albums, including Only Theatre of Pain (1982), Catastrophe Ballet (1984), Ashes (1985), and The Scriptures (1987). Their music was also complex, poetic, and provocative, with themes of religion, sexuality, and death.
Christian Death was one of the most controversial and influential death rock bands. They are considered the epitome of the genre. They also had a huge influence on the gothic rock and industrial scenes. The band inspired many other artists, such as Marilyn Manson, Cradle of Filth, and HIM.
1. The Birthday Party
The Birthday Party was a death rock band from Melbourne, formed in 1978. The band was led by Nick Cave, who was also the vocalist, songwriter, and harmonica player. They released four albums, Prayers on Fire (1981), and Junkyard (1982), and several singles and EPs. Their music was also intense, violent, and chaotic, with influences from blues, rockabilly, and noise.
The Birthday Party was one of the most original and influential death rock bands. They are considered the peak of the genre. They also had a huge influence on the noise rock and grunge scenes. The band inspired many other artists, such as Sonic Youth, The Jesus Lizard, and PJ Harvey.
The Bottom Line
These are the 10 best death rock bands of all time, according to our opinion. Of course, there are many other great bands that could be included in this list, such as Specimen, The Gun Club, Killing Joke, and Siouxsie and the Banshees.
Death rock is a diverse and rich genre that has left a lasting mark on the history of rock music. Also, f you are a fan of death rock, or curious to explore it, we recommend you to listen to these bands and discover their amazing and terrifying sounds.