Originally titled MACHINE GOD upon their formation in Hagersten during 1993 by ex-AFFLICTED and PROBOSCIS duo of guitarist Joacim Carlsson and bassist Joakim 'Harju' Hedestedt, the quite brutal FACE DOWN found themselves snapped up by Roadrunner and this resulted in the release of the critically acclaimed 'Mindfield' debut album. However, drummer Richard BÃ¥ng left after the album was completed and had his vacant space occupied by ex-UNANIMATED and MERCILESS man Peter Sjärnvind. April of 1996 found the band conducting UK dates with NAPALM DEATH and CROWBAR.

A second album, 'The Twisted Rule The Wicked', emerged through new label Nuclear Blast in 1997. Aro joined THE HAUNTED with ex-members of AT THE GATES. Despite his international success with THE HAUNTED Aro re-activated FACE DOWN in 2004, working with a cast comprising original members, AFFLICTED and GENERAL SURGERY guitarist Joacim Carlsson, bassist Joakim Hedestedt of CONSTRUCDEAD and new drummer Erik Thyselius from CONSTRUCDEAD, GENERAL SURGERY and TERROR 2000. The band signed to Black Lodge Records for a new studio album 'The Will To Power', entering Offbeat Studios in Stockholm during late October. FACE DOWN put in their first concert in over six years supporting PAIN on 12th February at Klubb Kaliber in Mariestad.

The band parted ways with drummer Erik Thyselius in February 2006. The KAAMOS, REPUGNANT and BLACKSHINE credited Christofer Barkensjö (a.k.a. 'Chris Piss') stepped in as substitute. This new unit entered Offbeat Studios on November 24th to cut demo tracks.