Drawing inspiration from the aggressive, vehement sounds of black metal and the classic melodies of power metal, the Philly-based quartet Single Bullet Theory formed in 2000 from the ashes of Pissing Razors, Seven Witches, and Shadowdance. Matt Difabio (vocals, guitar), Billy Mez (bass), Carlos Alvarez (guitar), and Jay Horvath (drums) displayed a strong D.I.Y. ethic from the start, issuing a self-released EP in 2000 and financing the resulting tour themselves. After signing with the Phoenix-based Crash Music in January 2003, Single Bullet Theory entered the studio to record t...