The alternative metal outfit Nothingface formed in 1993 in Washington, D.C. Frontman Matt Holt, guitarist Tom Maxwell, bassist Bill Gaal, and drummer Chris Houck made riveting, gnarling hard rock intertwined with heavy melodies and a brash punk rock sound. After two releases for DCide, 1997's Pacifier and 1998's An Audio Guide to Everyday Atrocity, Nothingface made their major-label debut on TVT Records with 2000's Violence. After the album was completed, Houck was replaced by Tommy Sickles, and in early 2001, Bill Gaal left the band in search of a career in record production and engineering, though he later formed the band In for the Kill. Former Deadlights bassist Jerry Montano stepped in to resume bass-playing duties. ~ MacKenzie Wilson