Fronted by Cambodian-born singer Sothira Pheng, Crucifix were distinct among American underground bands for their strong D-beat musical characteristics and anarchist lyrical content and graphic design.
Crucifix was formed by three members of Subsidized Mess, a short-lived band from Berkeley, California comprising vocalist Christopher Douglas, guitarist Matt Borruso, and Cambodian-born bassist Sothira Pheng.
This album proved a landmark effort for the band and is widely regarded to be their definitive work as well as a cornerstone of American political punk.
The duo later moved to New York City and reconfigured as a noise rock band with various musicians who had played in Pussy Galore, Boss Hog, The Normals, Chrome Cranks, Circle X, Dustdevils, Drunk Tank, and Walldrug.
Sothira Pheng picked up the bass again and did double-duty as vocalist in San Francisco punk/hard rock trio Proudflesh with ex-Crucifix guitarist Francis “Jimmy Crucifix” Schmidt.