First formed as a death metal act, Codeseven's first and major influences comprised bands such as Napalm Death and Fear Factory. However, the Winston-Salem crew rapidly decided to solidly evolve into a pure new-metal-style group. Constituted in the mid-'90s by brothers James (guitar), John (bass), and Matt (drums), in addition to Eric (guitar), Codeseven counts on the work of two vocalists, Big Dave Owen and Jeff Jenkins. Providing them with the substantive differences in terms of style, both Owen and Jenkins also secured the band an even better sound distinction. Performing regularly all across the North Carolina area, Codeseven also succeeded in gaining a considerable fan legion. While still in high school, the boys independently released a homemade demo.