After forming in the summer of 1998, If Hope Dies quickly came into their own as young dedicated musicians. Hailing from Auburn, New York (also hometown to Heavy Metal Gods Manowar) If Hope Dies showed upstate New York that you can mix metal with hardcore. In the years since their formation, IHD has progressed into a leader in the genre of metal based hardcore. A 2002 release on Diehard Records entitled "Siege Equipment for Spiritual Decline" has sold over 1200 copies to date with only regional touring.