Following the Dark Reality demos and 1995's Absence of Light EP, the group signed a deal with Lost Disciple Records for the release of 1997's Cult of the Initiated and 1999's Blood for the Gods -- both albums featuring brutally uncompromising, old school death metal. Constant touring in US and Europe and a smattering of festival appearances during this period garnered Pessimist a modest but loyal following in the American extreme metal underground. In 2001 the band's sole founding member, guitarist Kelly McLauchlin drafted Ralph Runyan (bass, vocals), Bill Hayden (guitar), and John Grden (drums) and the re-vamped Pessimist returned with their third album Slaughtering of the Faithful (produced by Erik Rutan) in 2002. ~ Eduardo Rivadavia, Rovi