Uncompromisingly extreme Metal delivered by Matt "The Lord" Zane, renowned for pushing the boundaries within his other business interests of the US porn industry, especially with his 'Backstage Sluts' series. SOCIETY 1, having been created in 1998 to include guitarist Devin Norris, bass player Justin Reynolds and drummer Jame Potter, debuted in 1999 with the 'Slacker Jesus' album on Zane's own Inzane Records imprint. Previously Zane had delivered the spoken word album 'Words As Carriers'.

Touring to promote the 2000 'Slacker Jesus' record included East Coast North American gigs allied with PRO-PAIN and PISSING RAZORS. However, Zane completely re-built the band in 2001, with Norris, Reynolds and Potter all being ousted. Subsequently, Zane found a welcoming stable for his act with British label Earache records, a concern with a reputation for taking on musical challenges. As this deal was secured Zane was back in the media after having directed a controversial promotional video for DECEMBER WOLVES.

Typically the marketing for the Earache debut 'Exit Through Fear', issued in 2003, would be cutting edge, the video for 'Nothing' comprising actual film of Zane suspended from six metal hooks pierced through his skin. The singer would be aloft in the 'suicide' position for more than an hour while shooting took place. The album revealed an all new band line-up comprising guitarist Sin Quirin, bassist Aleister and drummer Dagon with Edsel Dope of DOPE providing additional drums.

The band traversed North America alongside DOPE, PRIMER 55 and SKINLAB on the Jägermeister sponsored '$12 Riot' shows in October through December of 2002 although with Dagon forced out due to an ankle injury PRIMER 55 drummer Preston Nash took over the role. With Dagon back onboard SOCIETY 1 continued touring the US in April partnered with PISSING RAZORS and 40 GRIT. Further dates in August and November allied with ZUG IZLAND for the first leg of shows, then TWIZTED. However, Dagon would back out of these latter gigs and POWERMAN 5000 drummer Adrian Ost took over the role.

The final live event to promote 'Exit Through Fear' would take place in March of 2004 at the Key Club in Los Angeles. For this gig, featuring Preston Nash on drums, Matt Zane would perform the opening three numbers whilst suspended from his back with meathooks. He would be joined by a guesting Jay Gordon from ORGY for the song 'Everyone Dies (Rock Stars Don't Count)'. Bassist Aleister exited prior to this performance, being superseded for the show by Dirt.

The band entered NRG Studios in North Hollywood with producer Wade Norton during June to cut their second album for Earache 'The Sound That Ends Creation'. The band's first DVD title, 'Fearing The Exit', would comprise the entire record-breaking "Suspension Show", filmed live at the Los Angeles Key Club in March 2004, An entire SOCIETY 1 live show filmed in Tampa during 2003 and an exclusive 35 minute documentary 'One Way To Hell'. January of 2005 marked the introduction of ex-THE AMBULANCE drummer Berzerk Kirk, also known as brother of Tripp Eisen of STATIC-X.

The first 4,000 copies of 'The Sound That Ends Creation' added a bonus DVD entitled 'The Creation of Sound' as well as a copy of Matt Zane's poem book 'Release and Demise'. Touring in February saw the band heading out across North America with BILE and PITBULL DAYCARE in tow. SOCIETY 1 gained the support to PARADISE LOST's April through June European tour dates. The band unveiled plans for a tour union with BRAND NEW SIN and SCUM OF THE EARTH for North American dates commencing in June 2005. Sin joined the 2006 touring line-up of Al Jourgensen's REVOLTING COCKS.

March of 2006 found SOCIETY 1 signing a new label deal with Crash Music, Inc. for the album 'The Years Of Spiritual Dissent'. In May former PRONG, RORSCHACH TEST and TAD guitarist Atron temporarily joined the ranks of SOCIETY 1 as a substitute for the pre-disposed Sin.

Guitarist Mike Greenfield, of DETERIOROT and HEMLOCK, joined the group in April 2009. However, Greenfield's tenure proved fleeting and he announced his departure in early June.