EVIL DEAD, a band who were unafraid to take Death Metal to new levels of extremity, were created by guitarist Juan Garcia after he abandoned AGENT STEEL in 1988. Garcia's previous credits also included ABATTOIR. The original version of EVIL DEAD included ex-ABATTOIR bassist Mel Sanchez and erstwhile NECROPHILIA drummer Rob Alaniz. ABATTOIR guitarist Mark Caro was invited to join early on but the liaison didn't pan out and he quickly left the scene after recording a three track demo tape.

Guitarist Albert Gonzalez and vocalist Phil Flores were added a year later and EVIL DEAD would go on to score a deal with the German label Steamhammer Records. The group debuted with the 'Rise Above' EP in 1989 and followed it up with the full blown album 'Annihilation Of Civilization' the same year. Japanese versions of 'Annihilation Of Civilization' included bonus tracks from the European only released EP. However, EVIL DEAD fragmented before their second album, Albert Gonzales was fired and would join DEATH for touring duties.

Rob Alaniz walked out (forming RISE in the process) but Flores and Garcia regrouped by adding guitarist Dan Flores and bassist Karlos Medina (after Sanchez split) for 1991's 'The Underworld'. Drums on the album, which included a version of the SCORPIONS 'He's A Woman, She's A Man', were supplied by former DEFCON man Doug Clawson and backing vocals by METAL CHURCH man David Wayne. DEATH drummer Gene Hoglan also guested.