Crystal Castles emerged from the Toronto underground in the mid-2000s as one of the most visceral and influential electronic acts of their era, defined by a signature blend of abrasive, lo-fi production and haunting, melodic vulnerability. The group was formed in 2005 by producer and instrumentalist Ethan Kath, who later recruited vocalist and frontwoman Alice Glass. Their name was taken from a line in the cartoon She-Ra: Princess of Power, reflecting the juxtaposition of ethereal fantasy and chaotic energy that would characterize their sound.

The duo built a formidable reputation through a series of limited, sought-after vinyl singles released between 2006 and 2007, with tracks like "Alice Practice" and "Crimewave" (the latter a collaboration with the band Health) becoming underground anthems. Their chaotic and intense live performances, often culminating in equipment destruction and Glass's frenetic stage presence, further cemented their cult status. This early buzz culminated in their self-titled debut album, "Crystal Castles," in 2008. The record was a critical and commercial success, landing on numerous year-end lists and introducing their distorted 8-bit textures and Glass's piercing vocals to a global audience.

Their second album, "Crystal Castles (II)," arrived in 2010 and refined their formula, incorporating more atmospheric depth while maintaining their chaotic edge. It debuted in the Top 10 of the UK Albums Chart and was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. The band's third album, "(III)," released in 2012, presented a darker, more politically charged direction, with themes of oppression and despair woven into its icy synthscapes. Throughout their career, they were known for remixing artists like Robert Smith of The Cure and Klaxons, while their music was frequently featured in video games, film trailers, and fashion shows.

In October 2014, Alice Glass announced her departure from Crystal Castles, citing personal and professional reasons. She was subsequently replaced by vocalist Edith Frances. The new lineup released the band's fourth and final studio album, "Amnesty (I)," in 2016. The group's activity ceased abruptly in 2017 when, during a tour, Glass published a statement accusing Ethan Kath of years of sexual assault and psychological abuse during her tenure in the band. Kath denied the allegations, but the remaining tour dates were cancelled. Crystal Castles has remained completely inactive since that time, with no new music, performances, or updates from the project. Their legacy endures as a pioneering force in electronic music, though it is now inextricably shadowed by the serious allegations that precipitated their end.