PAINMASK rose from the ashes of INCISION during the Autumn of 1998. The first roll call for the band comprised of vocalist Jason Avery (erstwhile guitarist for BENEATH THE REMAINS), guitarists Sean Kennedy and Mike Bernard, bass player Carl Carlew and former ALL OUT WAR drummer Billy Wilson.

Their debut 'Are You Prepared To Meet The Truth?' album, issued on Innerstrength Records, would witness Cezar Bobadillo of BENEATH THE REMAINS and Mike Score of ALL OUT WAR donating backing vocals.

PAINMASK, minus Mike Bernard and with Scott Waters replacing Wilson, hit the road in August 2001 on a package billing with DYING FETUS, MASTODON and THE HOODS.