The band was known for its fascination with violent themes, as reflected lyrically in their first two albums.[2] Their first two albums, before the split into Die Happy, are considred their best, and their debut Human Sacrifice was called "the most radical Christian album ever released" by HM Magazine.[2] Their penchant for violence extended to the stage, and the band would graphically portray the crucifixion of Christ at their shows.[1]

Frontman Roger Martinez had a background in the Pentecostal Foursquare Church, and was baptised there.[2][6] He eventually rose to be pastor of a Hollywood area church, though by Released Upon The Earth he had left to pursue music full time.[2] While there, he began to look into the practice of "faith healing", and found it to be a fraud.[6]

In the mid 1990s, Martinez left the Christian faith, telling HM that he was a committed atheist in 1997.[2] Today, Martinez has obtained rights to the band name for future projects. According to Scott Waters and Steve Rowe, Martinez began to make tapes counteracting the tapes he made during his Christian career. He created a website that renounced his previous output and posted articles portraying Christian leaders in a negative light. Martinez then began making death threats to individuals[citation needed] he claimed "stabbed him in the back," which included friend Steve Rowe of Mortification, a band Martinez helped get their first record contract.

Although he has stated that he is currently working on future material to be released under the name "Vengeance Rising" with more of an anti-Christian, Satanic Atheism theme,[2][6] no albums have been released. Vocalist Scott Waters of Ultimatum and "Once Dead" stated on his metal music review website that "All Music Guide lists two releases... both of which I doubt ever existed... Former drummer Shannon Frye claims that Roger was impossible to work with and could not hold on to members long enough to even record a demo." He also claims that Martinez only kept the name of Vengeance Rising because of "continued curiosity from metal fans and Christians alike."

After the September 11, 2001 attacks occurred, Martinez offered free albums from his website for military personal to encourage a "holy war against Christians." Former fans and critics believe this to be an attack on former bandmates and Christianity, due to the straining situation of debt that he was left with when band members departed towards the "end" of Vengeance Rising's career.

Original founding members of "Vengeance Rising" have reformed under the new name "Once Dead" with the addition of Ultimatum vocalist Scott Waters. Originally planning to be a reunion, Martinez owned the original rights to the name. Instead of fighting for the rights to "Vengeance Rising," they instead used the name "Once Dead."

Source : Wikipedia