.45 Grave was a pioneering death rock band from Los Angeles that played a significant role in the early days of American goth-rock. The band, known for their dark and sometimes humorous music, disbanded in 1985, with members going on to various projects such as Dream Syndicate and Silver Chalice. A brief reunion in 1988 resulted in a new live album before the band ultimately ended due to the death of bassist Rob Graves in 1991. Former members pursued other musical endeavors, with Don Bolles forming Celebrity Skin and Mary Sims joining Penis Flytrap.

Overall, .45 Grave's legacy lies in their contribution to the emergence of goth-rock in the United States, with their unique blend of macabre and morose music leaving a lasting impact on the genre. The band's sporadic reunions and subsequent projects by former members further cemented their place in the underground music scene of the 1980s and beyond.