Formed from the ashes of Long Island hardcore acts Scraps and Heart Attacks and the Backup Plan, This Is Hell recorded and released a 4-song demo and began playing shows in the summer of 2004. Hype quickly gained steam, and the band eventually released a self-titled EP via local label State of Mind Recordings the following year. After a dogged touring schedule that found the band criscrossing the U.S. several times as well as a trip to Europe, they signed with hardcore/metal label Trustkill Records in December 2005. The band soon entered the studio with esteemed hardcore producer Dean Balutlonis (Sick of It All, No Warning) to record Sundowning, the band's first full-length, with Deathwish Inc. handling the vinyl release and owner Jacob Bannon handling the artwork.