Hailing from Florida's southern tip, Poison the Well arose quickly within the underground hardcore punk scene, becoming a major touring act in several U.S. markets on the strength of a confident debut album and energized live performances. The band favored a style of metalcore that evoked the guitar histrionics of Slayer and the brutal stomp of Hatebreed, while also balancing the proceedings with doses of warmth and melody. The result attracted attention from major labels, resulting in a brief stint on the roster of Atlantic Records. Although the band's tenure in the major leagues was short, Poison the Well remained a potent draw among hardcore punk fans, and albums like 2007's Versions illustrated a willingness to push boundaries without losing the band's metal-styled muscle.