HAVOCHATE was founded in New York during the late nineties by former AXIOM guitarist Freddy Ordine and erstwhile MALICIOUS ONSLAUGHT drummer Ovie Rodriguez. An advertisement in a local music newspaper that read "Crazed vocalist looking for equally crazed band" led the pair to singer John Mallek and in 2001 bassist Dave Ludwig joined the fold.

HAVOCHATE signed to the Root Of All Evil label for their 2002 album 'This Violent Earth', recorded at Big Blue Meenie Studios in Jersey City, New Jersey and produced by the DEATH, CANCER, DISINCARNATE and TESTAMENT credited guitarist JAMES MURPHY. The group scored a valuable coup by being selected as opening act for the MOTÖRHEAD / ANTHRAX North American Summer tour. New frontman Tim Bouchee replaced John Mallek in September 2003 for gigs supporting OVERKILL.

HAVOCHATE overhauled their line up in April 2004, dispensing with bassist Dave Ludwig and drummer Ovie Rodriguez and incorporating the world class rhythm section of ex-TESTAMENT bass player Greg Christian and former EVIL DEAD, TESTAMENT and SLAYER drummer John Dette. The new look band entered Pyramid Sound Recording Studios in Ithaca, New York on 26th April with producer Alex Perialas to craft a second album 'Cycle Of Pain'. However, Dette decamped in August, hooking up with vocalist Dave Pullaro, PUSHED, BELLADONNA, KILLING MACHINE and STREAM guitarist Peter Scheithauer as well as the former MAXIMUM PENALTY, SYSTEMATIC and MY RUIN credited bassist Johnny Chow (a.k.a. John Mark Bechtel) in a new band unit.

HAVOCHATE were joined by ex-HADES drummer Ron Lipnicki in October. However, the band's original drummer Ovie Rodriguez then marked a return as a new deal was struck with Indecent Media. Lipnicki enrolled into the ranks of OVERKILL for European dates in May 2005.