Fort Lauderdale, Florida act INTO THE MOAT, self described as "a technical Metalcore band with elements of Grind, Death Metal", was initiated by drummer Matthew Gossman in May 2001. Gossman, performing all instrumentation, crafted a first set of demos as a solo effort, using these tapes to pull together a viable band unit. The membership formula was stabilised by a quintet ranging in age from 16 to 19 when bass player Kit Wray shifted over to guitar duties in January 2002. Signing to Lovelost Records INTO THE MOAT debuted with the EP 'Means By Which The End Is Justified', produced by Jeremy Staska at Studio 13 and released in May 2003.

INTO THE MOAT signed a deal with Metal Blade Records during May of 2004. US dates allied with PSYOPUS commenced in July with recording of an album being undertaken in October at Mana Recording Studios in Tampa, Florida. Further North American gigs in July had the group allied with A PERFECT MURDER and SOILENT GREEN. Unfortunately bassist Joshua Thiel withdrew citing "medical reasons" before these shows. Mid-tour guitarist Rob Shaffer pulled out too, forcing the band to cancel six gigs. The band hired guitarist Travis LeVrier and resumed road work.

Going into September, the band formed up package shows backed by BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, and CEPHALIC CARNAGE. In November it was revealed drummer Matthew Gossman was playing guitar for Sludge project GLACIER.