Metal Church - Watch the Children Pray

Kurdt Vanderhoof formed the band in 1980, and their debut album was released in 1984. The Dark was released in 1986. Though originally a San Francisco-based band, they moved to Aberdeen, Washington, in the late 80s.
One of the pioneers of what would become thrash metal, they toured with bands like Anthrax, Slayer, Megadeth, and other well-known bands. To me, I hear their influence in later bands like DragonForce and even BabyMetal, but maybe I am just weird :)
They have been plagued with lineup changes throughout, but Vanderhoof has remained constant.
Their singer, David Wayne, died in a car accident in 2005, and another singer, Mike Howe, died in 2021. Four days before the release of the Congregation of Annihilation album in 2023, their drummer, Kirk Arrington died.

They were still active as of 2023, though they canceled parts of their 2024 tour due to Vanderhoof's health.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metal_Church