The original members were Pete “Puke” Keller (vocals/guitar), Syd Savage (guitar), Tim Challenger (bass), and Doug “Donut” Proulx (drums).
Known for volatility, they gained notoriety after a near-riot at a 1984 "Shindig" battle of the bands. The singer, Pete Puke, was described as a legendary but tragic figure who struggled with severe alcoholism. Related 1986 "Alcohol" Track Death Sentence - Alcohol (1986)
Not a Pretty Sight was their definitive debut, recorded in an East Vancouver basement over four days. Related 1986 "Alcohol" Track Not a Pretty Sight
The song "" was famously released in 1986 by the hardcore punk band Gang Green on their album Another Wasted Night . While a Canadian punk band named Death Sentence was highly active in 1986, their primary release that year was the album Not a Pretty Sight . Feature Profile: Death Sentence (Vancouver Punk) and hard rock into an aggressive
They blended British punk, American hardcore, and hard rock into an aggressive, "crossover" sound characterized by speed and confrontation.
Formed in in 1984, Death Sentence became a cornerstone of Canada’s second-wave hardcore scene.
If you are specifically looking for the punk anthem "Alcohol" from 1986, it is widely attributed to the Boston band . Death Sentence (1986) Gang Green (1986) Key Song "Live to Die" / "Fake" Origin Vancouver, Canada Braintree, Massachusetts Major Release Not a Pretty Sight Another Wasted Night Genre Hardcore Punk / Thrash Skate Punk / Hardcore Death Sentence - Live To Die