"King Fowley and guitarist Doug Souther started the band in 1984 in Arlington, Virginia with a goal to out-thrash Slayer. They experimented with a number of band names, formations, and styles before settling on the name 'Deceased' in 1986 (the final lineup consisting of Fowley on drums and vocals, Mark Adams joining Souther on guitar, and bassist Rob Sterzel). Tragedy struck the group on March 3rd, 1988 when Sterzel and several friends, including Souther's brother, were killed in a hit-and-run accident. Les Snyder became bassist later that year. Souther finally quit and was replaced by Mike Smith in 1991. The lineup of King Fowley, Mike Smith, Mark Adams, and Les Snyder lasted over a decade and recorded some of the group's most celebrated works."
