the frisk arose in early 2000, when the dissolution of the criminals caused vocalist jesse luscious, bassist mike sexxx and guitarist zach attack to pursue drummer hunter burgan. for the former members of the criminals, the frisk proved to be a quick transition from their previous band together, while for burgan the band would become an outlet in addition to his role as bassist for afi, with whom he had been a member since 1997. following the band's first show, zach attack departed, with zac hunter of the nerve agents, taking his place on guitar.