Ringworm erupted in 1991 from Cleveland, where they joined bands like Integrity in a brutal local scene that blended purist hardcore with heavy metal influences and punishing live shows. Promise appeared in 1993 through Incision, and Ringworm went on to tour and release several 7"s before lineup fluctuation and inertia sent them on hiatus. But the band returned in 2001 with Birth Is Pain, this time on Victory, and stayed with the label for the 2005 effort Justice Replaced by Revenge. Touring between albums became increasingly sporadic due to personal obligations; Ringworm vocalist Human Furnace (aka James Bulloch) owns a chain of tattoo shops called 252 Tattoo and guitarist Frank Novinec also performs with Terror. While Human Furnace has been the only consistent member over the years, at various points the band has also included guitarist Matt Sorg, bassists Aaron Ramirez and Mike Lare, and drummers Danny Zink and Chris Dora. On the road in 2006, Ringworm played shows in the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Europe alongside bands like Most Precious Blood, Damnation A.D., and Terror. ~ Eleanor Ditzel, All Music Guide