In spring, 2001, Matt Morgus (bass/vocals) and Nick Knutsen (guitar) had just split from a forgettable pop-punk unit when they stumbled upon Martin Bush (vocals/guitar), who had recently departed his indie-rock outfit. Combining these two worlds made perfect sense: Knutsen's street-punk influences smashed perfectly against Bush's melodic leanings, with Morgus bridging the gap. Salt the Earth was completed via drummer Nick Haxton, who cemented the band's sound with a steady and furious style.