Named as a satirical play on words derived from the designer brand 'Christian Dior', Christian Death are one of the forefathers of gothic rock in the US and pretty much invented the whole crucifix, open shirt, pallid face thing back in the early 80s.
Known as much for their hard line anti religious stance as much as their striking look, they have been a major influence on pretty much anyone who makes dark music, from The Cure and Bauhaus right through to Cradle of Filth and even Slayer.