Formed in March 1993, death metal band Fleshgrind originated through the partnership of guitarist/vocalist Rich Lipscomb and drummer Dave Barbolla. Bassist Casey Ryba and guitarist Steve Murray completed the original roster shortly afterward. Two early demos—Holy Pedophile from 1993 and Sorrow Breeds Hatred (Bleed on Me) from 1995—eventually secured a contract with the independent Pulverizer imprint. Following the replacement of Ryba by Ray Vazquez, the group issued its first proper album, Destined for Defilement, in 1997. Vazquez exited soon after the release, and Barbolla was dismissed. Bassist James Genenz (ex-Avernus) and drummer Alan Collado (Euphoric Evisceration) formed the new rhythm section, allowing Fleshgrind to tour widely and develop a sufficient underground following that Pavement Music agreed to re-release Destined for Defilement in early 1999. The band then established a lasting arrangement with Olympic Recordings, which delivered the second album, The Seeds of Abysmal Torment, in 2000.
