Fear Before the March of Flame formed in the Denver area in 2002. Over time, vocalist David Marion, guitarist/vocalist Adam Fisher, ba**ist Michael Madruga, and drummer Brandon Proff developed a hybrid of screamo, metal, and terse post-hardcore dynamics; Portland-area indie Rise Records took notice, and issued the band's full-length debut Odd How People Shake in July 2003. Tours with types like the Blood Brothers and Hopesfall followed, and soon Equal Vision had snapped up Fear Before for its own roster. EV licensed and reissued the People album, building more chatter for Fear Before the March of Flame, and after more touring, sent the band into the studio. Art Damage was the result. Released in September '04, it featured a tighter, more aggressive sound. Expanding even more on their dark, experimental tendencies, the guys followed-up with The Always Open Mouth in September 2006. By that album's release, the band excluded Proff (who left to go to college) and further included drummer Clayton "Goose" West, guitarist Zach Hutchings and guitarist/keyboardist Billy Johnson. Fall dates with Between the Buried and Me and Norma Jean followed. ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide