Lightning Swords of Death

Southern California's Lightning Swords of Death originated in 2003 when vocalist Autarch (aka Farron Loathing), guitarist Roskva (Jeremy Stramaglio), and bassist Menno (just Menno) formed a pact aimed at destroying humanity through black metal's occult practices. They advanced like three apocalyptic horsemen—with various drummers filling the fourth role—launching their recorded efforts via the Plunder & Lightning demo in 2005, followed by the Golden Plague album in 2007 and a split release alongside fellow So-Cal black metal tyrants Valdur. The band later aligned with Metal Blade Records to prepare their second full-length, The Extra Dimensional Wound, which arrived in 2010 and included drummer Mike Vega.