Originally formed in 1977, Black Death is one of the earliest known all African-American metal bands.

In March 1979, Clayborn was murdered and the band scrambled to find a replacement bassist: first with Ed Goodan and then soon after with Darrell Harris. The band split-up sometime after 1987.

In 2008, Phil Bullard passed away from colon cancer.

In the mid-2000s, members of the band formed a new project called Mandrake which played live several times, including the BW&BK Six-Pack Weekend, and the "Legends of Cleveland Metal" concert. It lasted for a few years. In 2009, the band was reformed by Greg Hicks with a whole new line-up. That band's current status is unknown.

Also that year, Siki Spacek formed Siki Spacek and The Resurrection, also with a whole new line-up. This band would later evolve into Black Death Resurrected in 2014.

Although Greg legally owns the trademark for Black Death, Siki disputes the ownership over the Black Death legacy. Both artists view the use and crediting of Black Death material by the other as illegitimate and both disagree on the history and their roles in the original band.