Trust Obey was formed by vocalist and programmer
John Bergin and guitarist Brett Smith. He had originally composer under the moniker Orifice, which he founded in 1985.[3] The band debuted with the
studio albumRip Saw in 1989. Two albums followed in 1990, were self-released and titled The Veil and Locust.[4][5] The band's fourth album Exit Wound was released in 1991.[6] After three years Bergin returned with a collaboration with graphic novelist
James O'Barr, a
soundtrack to O'Barr's
graphic novelThe Crow titled Fear and Bullets, released by Graphitti Designs. In 1996 the band released their sixth
studio album titled Hands of Ash for
Fifth Colvmn Records.[7] The album was commended by critics for its
gothic undertones and high production quality.[8]