Christian Death in Portland

Christian Death is an American deathrock band formed in Los Angeles in 1979 by singer Rozz Williams. The group established its early sound on the album Only Theatre of Pain, which includes “Romeo’s Distress” and “Spiritual Cramp.” Guitarist Valor Kand later became the lead singer and principal songwriter, beginning with the albums Catastrophe Ballet and Ashes. The band made its first concert appearance in 1980 at the Hong Kong Cafe, opening for Castration Squad. European touring followed during the Catastrophe Ballet period, when the lineup included Williams, Kand, Gitane Demone and David Glass. The live album The Decomposition of Violets documents that lineup performing at the Berwin Entertainment Centre in Hollywood.