Christian Death formed in Los Angeles in 1979, founded by vocalist Rozz Williams, and their 1982 debut Only Theatre of Pain became one of the defining documents of the American death rock and gothic rock movements. After the original lineup dissolved in 1983, the band continued under the direction of guitarist Valor Kand, with Williams later forming a parallel version and the two camps existing in dispute for years before Williams' death in 1998. The band retains an active presence and continues to record and tour under Kand's leadership.