VERTICAL HORIZON was initiated at Georgetown University during 1990 by Matthew Scannell and Keith Kane. Relocating to Boston, Massachussetts in 1992 the duo, splitting songwriting and lead vocal duties, recorded the self-financed album 'There And Back Again' through Rhythmic Records. These tracks were laid down at Deerfield Academy, Kane's former high school.

A second album set, 'Running On Ice' produced by John Alagia and Doug Derryberry, emerged in 1995. Carter Beauford of the DAVE MATTHEWS BAND guested on drums. For live work VERTICAL HORIZON expanded to an official quartet with the addition of bassist Ryan Fisher and drummer Ed Toth, the latter previously with Miami Funk band JENNIFER CULTURE. A concert recording, 'Live Stages', was delivered in early 1997, again via Rhythmic Records. Sony BMG Entertainment division RCA Records subsequently picked the band up for contract.

Fisher took his leave in mid 1997, being replaced by Seth Horan for touring commitments, another JENNIFER CULTURE veteran. The following year Sean Hurley passed auditions to make the bass position permanent.

David Bendeth, Ben Grosse, Mark Endertall donated their production skills to the 1999 RCA debut 'Everything You Want'. The lead in single, 'We Are', failed to impact but its follow up 'Everything You Want' scored huge success, reaching the coveted no. 1 position on the Billboard charts. Third single release 'You're A God', featured on the soundtrack to the hit Jim Carrey movie 'Bruce Almighty', also made strong chart and radio impression. VERTICAL HORIZON also lifted a fourth single from the album, 'Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning)'. In 2005, a remake of the song by GARY ALLEN would become a top 10 Country hit. The album 'Everything You Want' eventually went on to sell over two million copies in the USA.

Follow up album 'Go', produced by John Shanks, was released in September 2003. Strangely marketing support was minimal and VERTICAL HORIZON floundered, despite radio success with the single 'I'm Still Here'. The group terminated their contract with RCA Records and swiftly switched to Hybrid Recordings. 'Go' was re-issued in 2004, adding the extra track 'Better When You're Not There'. A single release of the song 'Forever' gained fresh impetus for the album. Ed Toth exited in July 2005, joining the DOOBIE BROTHERS. The band utilised temporary drummers Craig McIntyre during 2005 and Blair Sinta in 2006. In 2009 Ron LaVella joined as drummer.

Album recordings in 2009 would include a rare guest appearance from RUSH drummer Neil Peart, who contributed the lyrics to the song 'Even Now' and played drums on three tracks, 'Save Me From Myself', 'Even Now' and 'Welcome To The Bottom'. The album 'Burning Days' was released on 25th August.