San Jose, CA's Insolence formed in 1995 with Billy "Mech 1" Rosenthal (vocals), Mark Herman (vocals), Paul Perry (bass), DJ Jerry M. Delalo, and Mando Cardenas (drums). Together, the fivesome delivered heavy hard rock antics alongside elements of hip-hop for a sharp modern rock sound. Guitarist Mike Rowan joined the band prior to Insolence's deal with Maverick at the start of the new millennium. Hed to Hed marked the band's debut, issued in spring 2001.