Post-hardcore quartet Thrice formed in Irvine, CA, in 1998. Guitarist/vocalist Dustin Kensrue, guitarist Teppei Teranishi, bassist Eddie Breckenridge, and drummer Riley Breckenridge all knew each other from high school and the skate park, and decided that starting a band sounded like a pretty good idea. The usual round of practices, battle of the bands competitions, and random local gigs ensued. By late 1999, Thrice had enough songs (and enough courage) to cut a record. Working with Death by Stereo's Paul Miner, the quartet recorded 12 tracks and by April 2000 had self-released the Identity Crisis LP. More support gigs and local buzz followed, and Thrice sparked the interest of Hopeless/Sub City's Louis Posen.

In 2001, Posen signed the band, reissued Identity Crisis, and sent them out on tour with Samiam. Tours with Midtown and Hot Rod Circuit followed, and eventually Thrice re-entered the studio with producer Brian McTernan, set to record its official label debut. The sessions proved to be a trying period for the young group, but they eventually emerged with what would become The Illusion of Safety. More touring followed before Thrice saw Safety drop from Hopeless/Sub City in early 2002. Naturally, the band headed back out on tour, this time around supporting Further Seems Forever and Face to Face. That summer Thrice headlined for the first time, and also began testing the major-label waters. Eventually, Island won them over and signed the band in June. A stint on the Warped Tour followed, and Thrice spent the fall in clubs with Hot Water Music and Coheed & Cambria.