Painstake began in 1993 as a hardcore straight edge band. The band played in small clubs in their hometown of Denver, Colorado, steadily rising to higher recognition. As a result of their performances and growing respect, Uprising Records signed the band to a two-album deal, with which they released Consecrate and Don't Condemn This Dying. After the release of the album entitled Consecrate the band severed ties with Adam Tymn (Vaux), who was replaced by Carl Kumpe.