New York metal unit Stigmata was formed in 1989 by singer Bob Riley, guitarist Mike Maney, and bassist Dan Walsh, all of whom previously teamed in the short-lived Cranial Abuse. Lineup changes regularly plagued the group during their formative years, and after the completion of their first two albums, The Calling of the Just and The Heart Grows Harder, second guitarist Jason Sunkes signed on in late 1992, with drummer Jason Bittner recruited in early 1994. Following the third Stigmata LP, Hymns for an Unknown God, Maney left the group, which continued on as a four-piece. Bassist Buddy Armstrong replaced Walsh for the Redemption Songs EP, and in 1997 Bittner went on a leave of absence to tour with Crisis. After a live album, Pain Has No Boundaries, both Maney and Bittner returned to Stigmata for 2000's Do Unto Others... ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide