Deicide is an American death metal band. The word deicide means "the killing of a god", analogous to suicide meaning "the killing of the self" or homicide meaning "the killing of someone else".
The band was formed in Florida in 1987, first playing under the name Carnage. After Glen Benton joined the name was changed to Amon. During this time they released two demos: Feasting the Beast ( 1987) and Sacrificial ( 1989). In 1989 the band's name was changed to Deicide by force of Roadrunner records, as Amon was the name of the house in the King Diamond album Them. Then, they released their debut, self-titled album.
The band has been plagued by controversy relating to their heavy anti- Christian (and supposedly Satanist) beliefs. This was only reinforced by such stunts as an upside down cross burned into Benton's forehead (which he may have done with a heated piece of cross shaped metal).
The band's original line up, which was: Glen Benton on bass and vocals, brothers Eric Hoffman and Brian Hoffman on guitars, and Steve Asheim on drums. Both Eric and Brian are considered some of the most talented guitar players in death metal, playing complex solos at ridiculous speeds and overlapping riffs which give Deicide the definitive heavy sound and complex song structures which are ultimately recognized as theirs. This line up remained intact until 25 November, 2004 when Glen Benton announced that the Hoffman brothers had been ejected from the band for repeatedly cancelling shows and walking out on tours. For the remainder of the current tour, one guitar slot has been filled by ex- Cannibal Corpse guitarist, Jack Owen, and the other by new permanent band member, Vital Remains guitarist, Dave Suzuki. Following the tour, Owen will be replaced by Tony Lazaro, the other guitarist from Vital Remains in the new Deicide line-up. Ralph Santolla is also featured in the touring lineup of the band as of 2005. Later, Eric Hoffman hit back at Benton claiming he was unprofessional and lied about tour cancellations. More can be read here: Recently after a long time, Benton replied to their claims: