Christian Death Members, Gear & Sound
Members
Select a Christian Death band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Christian Death is a seminal American band credited as pioneers of the gothic rock and deathrock genres. Formed in 1979 in Los Angeles, the group's ever-evolving lineup has included influential members such as Rozz Williams (vocals), Rikk Agnew (guitar), and later Valor Kand (vocals, guitar) who took over leadership after Williams's departure in 1985. They have been known for their provocative themes and theatrical performances, exploring blasphemy, morbidity, and societal taboo. Christian Death's sound is a unique blend of post-punk, goth rock, and horror punk, with elements of darkwave and ethereal wave.
How to Sound Like Christian Death
Capturing the sound of Christian Death involves embracing a dark, atmospheric tone characterized by doomy guitar riffs and ambient synth layers. Their music often features slow, heavy guitar work, reminiscent of bands like Throbbing Gristle, combined with eerie, cinematic synths that evoke a sense of horror. The use of effects like the Roland RE-201 Space Echo creates haunting, reverberant soundscapes, while guitars such as the Fender Stratocaster and Gibson Les Paul Custom deliver both gritty and melodic textures. This musical landscape is further enriched by the theatrical, dramatic vocal delivery, which plays a crucial role in their intense, confrontational aesthetic.
Discography
Only Theatre of Pain
1982
Catastrophe Ballet (feat. R. Williams)
1984
Ashes
1985
Atrocities
1986
The Scriptures
1987
Sex and Drugs and Jesus Christ
1988
All the Love All the Hate (Part One: All the Love)
1989
All the Love All the Hate (Part Two: All the Hate)
1989
Insanus, Ultio, Prodito, Misericordiaque
1990
Jesus Points the Bone at You?
1991
Sleepless Nights
1993
The Path Of Sorrows
1993
Tales Of Innocence, A Continued Anthology
1994
The Doll's Theatre - Live Oct. 31, 1981
1994
The Rage Of Angels
1994
Sexy Death God
1994
Death Mix
1996
Prophecies
1996
Pornographic Messiah
1998
Born Again Anit-Christian
2000
Death Club 1981-1993
2005
Evil Voices & Demonic Moods
2007
American Inquisition
2007
Death In Detroit
2010
The Wind Kissed Pictures
2013
The Iron Mask (Bonus Track Version)
2015
The Root of All Evilution
2015
Deathwish
2016
Evil Becomes Rule
2022
Death Mix (2023 Version)
2023
Get the Christian Death Sound
Want to sound like Christian Death? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.