Black Death holds a place in metal history as the first all-African-American heavy metal band. According to AllMusic, the band formed in Ohio in 1977, with Siki Spacek leading as vocalist and guitarist.
Formation and Early Struggles
As per BlackThen, the band started without a name. Founding members Greg Hicks and Clayborn Pinkins eventually settled on the name ‘Black Death.’ Tragedy struck early when Pinkins was murdered in 1979. This was the first of many lineup changes that would affect the band’s career.
Breakthrough and Legacy
After several lineup changes, the band’s classic lineup included:
- Siki Spacek – Vocals and Lead Guitar
- Greg Hicks – Guitar
- Darrell Harris – Bass
- Phil Bullard – Drums
The band built a local following and eventually released their only full-length album, ‘Black Death’ (1984).
Later Years and Influence
Metal Archives reports that Black Death continued in various forms through the 2000s. Spacek and Bullard formed Mandrake, performing at BW&BK Six-Pack Weekend and the Legends of Cleveland Metal concert. Phil Bullard passed away in 2008, followed by Vincent Lindsay in 2018. Today, Greg Hicks remains the last original member, and the band’s current status is unclear.
Black Death Resurrected came out in 2014 as the evolution Black Death and Siki Spacek’s project Siki Spacek and The Resurrection. Former Black Death guitarist Vincent Lindsay joined the band before his death.
Black Death broke ground as the first all-African-American metal band. The group faced challenges with lineup changes and limited commercial success, but their influence on diversity in heavy metal continues. You can catch up with them via their Facebook page.
