Hailing from the Rust Belt of Cleveland, Ohio, and noted as the first all black heavy metal band, the name Black Death fits perfectly. Originated in 1977, the band at the time consisted of drummer Phil Bullard, guitarist Greg Hicks, and bassist Clayborn Pinkins.
They were an instrumental band for a year until Siki Spacek joined as the frontman/vocalist, and would rip guitar along with Greg Hicks. Unfortunately, bass player Pinkins was shot and killed, and the band has been revolving members since. Black Death still gets left out of most conversations of the whole Bad Brains, Death, and Pure Hell era. Life can come at you fast while starting & being in a band. Whether it’s a job, family, poverty or whatever the case may be, Black Death still made a name for themselves.
Check out their self titled 51 minute album (1984) with tracks like “Night of the Living Death”, “Fear No Evil”, and “The Scream of the Iron Messiah”.
One response to “History’s All But Forgotten First Black Metal Band: Black Death”
Hello. My name is Shakia Garrett. I am the Administrative Coordinator for Auburn Avenue Research Library on African American Culture and History. I was floored when I saw how recently you posted the information about, “A Band Called Death”, because we are screening the film on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 6:30pm and wondered if you would consider moderating the discussion with one of the directors, Mark Covino?