California native Michael Grant assembled the irreverent rock group Endeverafter in 2004, channeling the expansive, high-energy arena rock of the 1970s and 1980s through his vocals and guitar. Raised in Sacramento, the frontman first sharpened his abilities in several area hardcore bands before losing interest in themes of angst and depression. Seeking a sound that captured the bold attitude of Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe, Grant recruited Kristan Mallory on guitar, Tommi Andrews on bass, and Eric Humbert on drums. The quartet issued its debut EP, Blood on the Stage, in 2005 and launched a run of monthly hometown performances in Sacramento, relying on homemade confetti cannons and strobe lights to amplify the visual impact. In 2006 Endeverafter secured a deal with One Haven/Epic Records and recorded From the Ashes of Si under the guidance of producer Stacy Jones, formerly of American Hi-Fi, Letters to Cleo, and Veruca Salt. The sessions wrapped in two months, after which the band joined hair metal veterans Cinderella and Poison for a coast-to-coast summer tour. Kiss or Kill followed in fall 2007.
