When longstanding Washington D.C. based Alt-Metal band NOTHINGFACE folded in February of 2004 guitarist Tom Maxwell and drummer Tommy Sickles rapidly announced the formation of COLDWHITECHRIST, a new band formation in league with the DEADLIGHTS and DANZIG credited bassist Jerry Montano. Subsequently, this project added ex-SKRAPE frontman Billy Keeton and switched names to SEVER, then to BLESSED IN BLACK.

Working with producer Drew Mazurek BLESSED IN BLACK entered the recording studio to craft their debut album in June 2005. The track 'Waging War' notably featured guest vocals from MUDVAYNE's Chad Grey. In August BLESSED IN BLACK returned to the studio, crafting new material with DISTURBED's David Draiman. However, singer Billy Keeton exited that same month.

Word arrived in November 2005 that NOTHINGFACE had reformed and would tour as support to DISTURBED in early 2006. The new look band comprised original singer vocalist Matt Holt plus the BLESSED IN BLACK triumvirate of guitarist Tom Maxwell, drummer Tommy Sickles and bassist Jerry Montano.

In 2009 Maxwell and Sickles forged KNIVES OUT!, a Baltimore, Maryland based Alt-Metal act comprising a quintet of Alt-Metal veterans involving vocalist Todd Smith, from DOG FASHION DISCO and POLKADOT CADAVER, guitarist Jasan Stepp, of DOG FASHION DISCO and POLKADOT CADAVER, and bass player Dave Cullen, of POLKADOT CADAVER.