Christian Death (named as a satirical play on words derived from the designer brand 'Christian Dior') was founded in October, 1979 by Rozz Williams (vocals), James McGearly (bass), George Belanger (drums), and a guitarist named Jay brought in from a previous band Rozz had been in called Daucus Karota. The group went on hiatus briefly in 1981, but reformed that summer with Rikk Agnew replacing Jay on guitar. Their debut album - the death-rock classic "Only Theatre Of Pain" - was released in 1982.

By late 1982, Agnew and Belanger had left the band, and were replaced by Eva O and China respectively. Eva O was then replaced by Michael Montana, and by the end of the year, the band split once again.

In 1983, Williams formed a new band with members of Pompeii 99, a band that Christian Death had played some shows with just before they had split. This new group consisted of Rozz, Valor (2), Gitane Demone, David Glass & Constance Smith. Rozz wanted to bring back the Daucus Karota name for this new band, but Valor and his European record company convinced him to use the name Christian Death.

This line-up remained more or less constant for a couple of years, although there were some problems during that time that led to stress between the members. The problems came to a head in 1985, when Rozz left the band just before a European tour. The remaining members (Valor, Demone and Glass) made an agreement with Rozz to rename the band Sin And Sacrifice, but subsequently continued to tour and record under the original Christian Death name against Rozz's wishes.

This version of the band relocated to England and continued to record and tour until 1989, when all members except Valor had left to pursue other projects. In 1992, Valor and his wife Maitri once again resurrected the Christian Death name, although this new version of the group was closer to dark heavy metal than the gothic rock they had been best known for.

Around this same time, Rozz and Rikk Agnew played some reunion shows in the US under the Christian Death name, and Rozz started recording new Chrstian Death material with his wife (and early member) Eva O. Valor threatened legal action, claiming that he owned the name Christian Death, and most of this material ended up being released under the name Christian Death featuring Rozz Williams. This version of the group came to a close on April 1, 1998 when Rozz Wiliams committed suicide.