Arguably New Zealand's only Straight Edge Hardcore band. DSM, originating in West Auckland during 1996, started life as a trio and put in an inaugural live performance alongside CRASHCOURSE in July of 1997..

A 1997 demo session 'The Stronger We Stand' led to the band augmenting their sound with the addition of Rhys from BALANCE in April of 1998. Rhys's debut was a combined album effort issued on 1157 Records in alliance with THE DUST. The record, restricted to a miserly 150 copies- many without sleeves, would include one track 'No One' recorded in union by both bands plus members of MESSIAH, Dave and George's Metal side project.

In this incarnation DSM gained a valuable placing on the New Zealand leg of the 'Vans Warped' tour and supported visiting artists such as GOOD RIDDANCE, SICK OF IT ALL and TEN FOOT POLE. Opened for BALANCE on an Australian tour. Rhys would depart, relocating to New York to join ONE SIDED WAR.

Further split album efforts arrived in 1999. The first of these, a collusion with ACT OF VENGEANCE (Dan's side act) saw DSM contributing three tracks recorded in a bedroom and was strictly limited to 150 copies. The second, a three way split with BALANCE and STATE OF GRACE, featured February 1999 live tracks featuring Rhys on guitar recorded straight from the desk and was again limited although a bit more generously with 500 copies released.

The 'Nothing To Lose' album, recorded and mixed in a mere three days, arrived in March of 2000. DSM announced they were to split the same year. A series of farewell Australian shows saw the band sharing billings with DAYS OF CONTEMPT.

Both Pepe and George operate as members of EVIL PRIEST.