Thrash Metal band CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER made their entrance with the 1985 'Life In Grave' demo tape. CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER actually broke up completely shortly after recording the 'Stream Of Consciousness' album as vocalist Bill Crooks and drummer Scott Peterson decided to give up the music scene altogether. Guitarist Les Evans and bassist Rob Nicholson remained a unit and forged a new act with new recruits guitarist Eli Nelson and drummer Eddie. The latter being drafted by Evans' mother after she saw a kid walking down the road carrying a pair of drum sticks!

In May of 1989 Evans relocated to Portland, Oregon to have another stab at starting CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER anew. This revised version of the band, with WEHRMACHT and SWEATY NIPPLES drummer Brian Lehfeldt onboard, issued the 'Speak Your Peace' album. Evans would also guest on the SWEATY NIPPLES 'What's Your Funktion?' EP.

With completion of Autumn 1990 touring CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER folded. Lehfeldt would join EVERCLEAR as touring drummer in the 90s whilst bassist Rob Nicholson made headway by joining ROB ZOMBIE's band. The band would duly reform but in January of 2003 Bill Crooks opted out. The band persevered with the induction of Portland native Chris Merrow of VILLAGE IDIOT repute.

The band re-released both the 'Conviction' and 'Money Talks' albums in 2003, both featuring a glut of extra tracks. 'Conviction' added the 'Life In Grave' demo plus live tracks recorded in Houston during 1988 whilst 'Money Speaks' featured the 1988 'Stream Of Consciousness' rehearsal recording plus further live cuts from Houston. The highly anticipated CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER reformation, originally proposed to include Brian Lehfeldt on drums, would be short-lived though. The band officially changed their name to BELOW following the departure of vocalist Bill Treadway (formerly Bill Crooks).

Nicholson meantime would be found in the employ of former HELMET mentor Page Hamilton. He also cites credits with SUFFER, DROWN and DANZIG. By late 2003 Nicholson had joined the OZZY OSBOURNE band.