Silverstein formed in Ontario, Canada, in 2000 as a side project for vocalist Shane Told, guitarist Josh Bradford, drummer Paul Koehler, guitarist Richard McWalter, and bassist Bill Hamilton. But after diving into the thriving Ontario hardcore/emo scene, which also included bands like Moneen and Grade, Silverstein soon found an audience for their particular brand of shimmering, hot-blooded post-hardcore. Their 2000 self-released EP Summer's Stellar Gaze was quite well received, and soon Silverstein became the full-time project of its members.