Inspired by the freewheeling arena rock sounds of the '70s and '80s, the irreverent outfit Endeverafter were formed in 2004 by California native Michael Grant (vocals, guitar). The frontman was raised in Sacramento, where he honed his skills in a number of local hardcore acts before growing tired of the familiar subjects of angst and depression. Looking to form a band that was more aligned with the swagger of Guns N' Roses and Mötley Crüe, Grant enlisted the help of Kristan Mallory (guitar), Tommi Andrews (bass), and Eric Humbert (drums). The four-piece Endeverafter released a debut EP, 2005's Blood on the Stage, and began playing a series of monthly shows in their native Sacramento, employing homemade confetti cannons and strobe lights to heighten the spectacle. The following year, Endeverafter signed with One Haven/Epic Records and entered the studio with producer Stacy Jones (former member of American Hi-Fi, Letters to Cleo, and Veruca Salt). The resulting From the Ashes of Si was completed in two months, and the band immediately hit the road with hair metal icons Cinderella and Poison. Following the summer's nationwide tour, Kiss or Kill was released in fall 2007. ~ Andrew Leahey