Originally founded in Chicago, Illinois under the title NOSTRADAMUS during 1991. SCEPTER frontman John Karnes previously operated with USURPER personnel in Death Metal band THE DEAD YOUTH. SCEPTER's 1994 'Up Thy Ass' demo, recorded with then drummer Dave Gipson, preceded a 1996 EP 'Metal Supremacy'. This latter session saw a return to the drum stool for founder member Eric Czepek. Germany's Merciless label picked the 'Metal Supremacy' recordings up for a 7" single release in Europe, this license restricted to just 500 copies, and for the album 'I'm Going To Hell'.