Showbread emerged in the early-2000s as part of the post-hardcore movement that included bands influenced by Refused’s blueprint for dark metal, featuring shrill screaming and jerky rhythms. Showbread formed in Savannah, Georgia where they quickly developed a following based on their energetic live shows, which featured dual vocals from singers Ivory Mobley and Josh Dies, as well as matching outfits worn by members of the band.

The band signed with Tooth & Nail after a couple of self-released EPs and then made their national debut with the ostentatiously titled No Sir, Nihilism Is Not Practical. The band worked with Sylvia Massy Shivy for the debut. In the wake of the release, the band experienced some controversy in the Christian community when they were criticized for being satanic Two years later they released their sophomore album, Age of Reptiles.