It's not clear who the first black (as in African-American) metal band was, but Black Death have to be one of the earlier ones. Formed in 1977, they build a sizeable local following, eventually resulting in the one album before fading into obscurity -- a tale that mirrors many a band. A telling quote from the record label president: "Their biggest problem was finding a replacement if a member quit the band -- there just weren't that many black guys in town who could play metal."