Altar De Fey

Altar De Fey is a legendary deathrock band that emerged from the San Francisco punk scene in the early 1980s. Formed in 1983, they blended the raw aggression of punk with moody, melodic guitar work led by founding guitarist Kent Cates, creating a distinct sound that helped define the deathrock genre outside its Los Angeles epicenter. Despite a brief initial run ending in the mid-80s, their dark atmospheric style, dramatic vocals, tribal drumming, and striking visual aesthetic—big hair, black makeup, and ripped fishnets—earned them a cult following that resurged decades later, leading to reunions and new releases.

Their discography includes influential albums like *Echoes in the Corridor* (2016), *The Insatiable Desire...* (2019), and *And May Love Conquer All* (2020), showcasing their evolution while staying true to their dark gothic roots. The band is celebrated for maintaining a powerful, consistent deathrock sound with an emphasis on both auditory mood and visual impact—a nod to their influences such as Sisters of Mercy, Bauhaus, KISS, and Alice Cooper. Today, Altar De Fey continues to be a vital force in the gothic and deathrock scene, revered for their enduring energy and distinctive style.