LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR, forged in Chicago, Illinois by former 7000 DYING RATS musicians guitarist Steven Rathbone and bassist Donald James Barraca in league with PELICAN and TUSK drummer Larry Herweg, debuted with a six song EP in 2003, subsequently issued in 10" vinyl format, limited to 500 copies, by SuperFi Records. The band signed to Southern Lord Records in May of 2004. LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR toured the US East Coast and Midwest in May 2005. A second album for Southern Lord Records would be recorded during June at Volume Studios in Chicago.

In 2006 the band donated their rendition 'Unknown' of to raise funds for the EYEHATEGOD musicians on the Emetic Records assembled benefit CD 'For The Sick - A Tribute To Eyehategod'. US shows throughout November and into December saw touring unions with CATTLE DECAPITATION, DOG FASHION DISCO and DAATH. Drummer Weaser Walter would be enlisted for these concerts.

The band, alongside THE GATES OF SLUMBER, THE HOUNDS OF HASSELVANDER, PALE DIVINE, REVELATION, NECROPHARMACON, TUNGASKA, EARTHRIDE, APOSTLE OF SOLITUDE, EARTHEN GRAVE and BULLETWOLF, performed at the 'Templars of Doom' festival in May 2009 at the Melody Inn in Indianapolis, Indiana.