Deathstars' first line-up consisted of vocalist and frontman Andreas Bergh ("Whiplasher Bernadotte"), guitarists Emil Nödtveidt ("Nightmare Industries") and saw Erik Halvorsen ("Beast X Electric"), and drummer Ole Öhman ("Bone W.a Machine").

The band's plans to start recording their sophomore album in June 2004 were delayed as the members had over $15,000 worth of gear stolen from their tour bus while returning home from an appearance at the Wave Gotik Treffen festival in Germany.

The band parted ways with guitarist Beast X Electric in August, citing a "lack of enthusiasm".

That same year, Nightmare Industries and bassist Skinny Disco contributed to the production of the Dissection album Reinkaos.

"[8] Fellow Swede Adrian Erlandsson, formerly of At the Gates and Cradle of Filth, filled in on the drumming duties for the tour.

Producer and guitarist Nightmare Industries wrote the song "Via the End" for the album about the suicide of his brother, Jon Nödtveidt.

[9][11] On 7 November 2008, Deathstars announced that their third studio album would be released on 30 January 2009, along with the track listing and the first single, "Death Dies Hard".

[12] In early 2011, Skinny Kangur and Cat Casino toured with the American glam metal band Vain.

[15] In April 2013, Deathstars announced on their official website that the recording of their next album would begin in July, and that guitarist Cat Casino had left the band, citing a wish to "focus on other things.