Deicide is an American death metal band from Tampa, formed in 1987. It begins as Carnage, with drummer Steve Asheim and guitarists Eric Hoffman and Brian Hoffman, before bassist and vocalist Glen Benton joins. The group then performs briefly as Amon before taking the name Deicide in 1989.

Career and releases

Deicide gains wider recognition with its second studio album, Legion, in 1992. During the SoundScan era, it is among the best-selling death metal acts, behind only Cannibal Corpse in overall genre sales. In November 2003, its first two albums, Deicide and Legion, rank among the top-selling death metal albums of that period.

Since its debut, the band releases thirteen studio albums, one live album, two compilation albums, and two live DVDs. Its studio albums include Deicide, Legion, Once Upon the Cross, Serpents of the Light, Insineratehymn, In Torment in Hell, Scars of the Crucifix, The Stench of Redemption, Till Death Do Us Part, To Hell with God, In the Minds of Evil, Overtures of Blasphemy, and Banished by Sin.

Style and themes

The band is known for death metal with lyrical themes centred on Satanism, anti-Christianity, and blasphemy. These themes, together with public statements and actions by some members, lead to controversy, including bans, legal disputes, and criticism from religious and political organisations.

Influence

Deicide’s early releases, particularly Deicide, Legion, and Once Upon the Cross, are often cited as influential death metal recordings.