Chicago-based black metal band Broken Hope was formed by singer Joe Ptacek, guitarist Jeremy Wagner and drummer Ryan Stanek following the dissolution of their previous band, Crypt; adding lead guitarist Brian Griffin and ba**ist Ed Hughes, the group's early demos soon earned a contract with Grindcore Records, and in 1991 they issued their debut LP Swamped in Gore. Jumping to Metal Blade, Broken Hope resurfaced in 1993 with Bowels of Repugnance; replacing Hughes with ex-Sindrome ba**ist Shaun Gla**, the band next issued 1995's Repulsive Conception, followed two years later by Loathing. Both Stanek and Gla** exited prior to recording 1999's Grotesque Blessings, and were replaced by drummer Duane Timlin and ba**ist Sean Baxter; Ptacek subsequently left Broken Hope as well, resulting in the addition of new vocalist Scott Creekmore. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide