DEICIDE sold out show full set live at North Park Observatory San Diego California 2026 4K HD
Formed in Tampa, Florida, in 1987 (initially as Amon), Deicide is a pioneering, highly controversial death metal band known for intense, blasphemous themes and relentless musical brutality. Led by bassist/vocalist Glen Benton and drummer Steve Asheim, they historically became one of the best-selling death metal bands of all time, particularly with classic albums Deicide (1990) and Legion (1992).
Formation and Early Years (1987–1990)
Origin: Deicide the band was formed by Glen Benton and Steve Asheim. Brothers Brian and Eric Hoffman (guitars) joined after replying to an ad.
Amon: Originally named Amon, they released demos like Feasting the Beast (1987) and Sacrificial (1989), which gained local attention.
Signing: They signed with Roadrunner Records and changed their name to Deicide in 1989.
Rise to Prominence and Controversy (1990–2000s)
Debut Album: Their self-titled debut, Deicide (1990), produced by Scott Burns at Morrisound Recording Studios, established them as a force in the worldwide metal scene.
Controversy: Known for anti-Christian, Satanic lyrics, the band faced intense criticism, bans, and protests. Religious protesters gathered outside the streets of SOMA San Diego during the Deicide headlining sold out show for their Legion tour in 1992. During the show Glen Benton invited any of them to come up to the stage if they dare to get kicked in the face with his spiked boots. Over three decades later in 2026 Deicide performs another sold out show in San Diego, this time at the North Park Observatory, with their same level of fury, speed and precision. Select songs from Deicide's iconic self-titled debut and Legion albums are played at an even faster pace this time around.
Key Releases: Deicide (1990) and Legion (1992) are considered classic landmark albums, followed by Once Upon the Cross (1995), which faced censorship for its cover art.
Conflicts: The band faced numerous issues, including bomb threats, animal rights protests, and drama from the Hoffman brothers, who eventually left in the mid-2000s.
Later Career and Current Status (2004–Present)
Lineup Changes: The Hoffman brothers left, with members such as Ralph Santolla, Jack Owen, and later Kevin Quirion, Taylor Nordberg, and Jadran "Conan" Gonzalez joining.
Prolific Output: Deicide continued to release albums, including The Stench of Redemption (2006) and Till Death Do Us Part (2008).
Modern Era: They remain a powerhouse in death metal, with their 13th album in preparation as of 2023.
Musical Style
Sound: Defined by blistering speed, heavy, technical riffing, and deep, guttural vocals from Benton.
Lyrical Themes: Anti-Christianity, Satanism, and blasphemy.
Behemoth, Deicide, Rotting Christ, Immolation 2026 North American Tour Dates
April 14 - San Diego, California @ The Observatory North Park
April 15 - San Francisco, California @ The Regency Ballroom
April 17 - Boise, Idaho @ Knitting Factory
April 18 - Portland, Oregon @ Roseland Theater
April 19 - Seattle, Washington @ Showbox Sodo
April 21 - Salt Lake City, Utah @ Union Event Center
April 22 - Denver, Colorado @ The Fillmore
April 24 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin @ The Rave
April 25 - Chicago, Illinois @ The Vic Theatre
April 26 - St. Louis, Mo. @ The Pageant
April 28 - Norfolk, Virginia @ The Norva
April 30 - Silver Spring, Maryland @ The Fillmore
May 1 - Worcester, Massachusetts @ The Palladium
May 2 — New York, Manhattan NYC @ Palladium Times Square
May 4 — Buffalo, New York @ Buffalo RiverWorks
May 5 — McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania @ The Roxian Theatre
May 7 — Daytona Beach, Florida @ Welcome To Rockville Festival
May 9 — Charlotte, North Carolina @ The Fillmore
May 11 — Toronto, Ontario Canada @ History
May 12 — Montreal, Quebec Canada @ L'Olympia
May 14 — Columbus, Ohio @ Sonic Temple
May 15 — Nashville, Tennessee @ Brooklyn Bowl
May 16 — Atlanta, Georgia @ ...