SHOTGUN MESSIAH evolved from a band previously known as SHYLOCK and then KINGPIN. Under the latter moniker the Swedish Glam act, formed in 1987, specialised in outrageous haircuts and fishnets and, relocating to Los Angeles after the release of the KINGPIN debut 'Welcome To Bop City', the band changed titles to SHOTGUN MESSIAH and considerably toned down their image.

Bassist Tim Skold (previously known as Tim Tim) gave up bass duties to new recruit, American born Bobby Lycon and handled vocals, ousting former EASY ACTION, DREAM POLICE and KINGPIN singer ZINNY J. ZAN, who later formed ZAN CLAN, but not after the KINGPIN album was re-issued as 'Shotgun Messiah' in America and Europe.

In 1992, having issued a further album in 1991, the group offered the EP 'I Want More', a collection of covers by bands such as the NEW YORK DOLLS and RAMONES. By August 1993 Lycon and drummer Stixx were ousted as the band trimmed down to the duo of Skold and Cody. SHOTGUN MESSIAH then pusued a much more Industrial direction prior to fragmenting.

Harry Cody hooked up with SAIGON KICK frontman Matt Kramer and KING OF THE HILL guitarist Jimmy Griffin to forge COMA for a solitary 1995 album. Cody subsequently founded the short lived DAS CABAL in alliance with RHINO BUCKET frontman George Dolivo for a 1996 demo. Skold released his debut album with his new Industrial act, modestly titled SKOLD, in 1996.

Skold hooked up with former FASTER PUSSYCAT vocalist Taime Downe's band THE NEWLYDEADS for live work in 2000. The following year it was revealed Skold was in collaboration with the notorious figure of MARILYN MANSON. Zinny J. Zan was not to be left out, forging a fresh version of ZAN CLAN during 2003 in collaboration with erstwhile TALISMAN and GREAT KING RAT guitarist PONTUS NORGREN and the former LION'S SHARE rhythm section of bassist Pontus Egberg and drummer Johan Koleberg. Zan also contributed his version of 'Surrender' to a CHEAP TRICK tribute album. In early 2004 former bassist Bobby Lycon was touting a new act U.N.I.

May of 2004 witnessed a reunion for Zinny Zan and Stixx as the drummer joined ZAN CLAN for their Rockklassiker sponsored 'Rockbåten' ferry gig. This guest appearance marked the first time the two ex-SHOTGUN MESSIAH members had played together in over 12 years.

SKOLD VS. KMFDM, a collaboration conceived in June 2008 between Tim Skold and Sascha Konietzko of KMFDM, released its self-titled debut album on 7th April 2009 via KMFDM Records.