From Zero was formed in 1998. From Zero's music was distinguished from many earlier nu metal groups with its greater focus on melodies and correspondingly fewer elements of rap metal.[2]
In 1999, the band independently released their self-titled EP (referred to as "The Green Album").[3][better source needed] The album locally sold over 6,000 copies and attracted the attention of major record labels. They later signed with Arista Records and began opening for bands such as Disturbed.[4]
Their first album, One Nation Under, was released in 2001. The band promoted the album using a self-published website, allowing fans to personally communicate with band members while they were on tour.[5] They began touring with bands such as Amen, Nickelback, Godsmack, Deftones, and Puddle of Mudd.[4] The song "Check Ya" from the album peaked at number 37 on the Mainstream Rock chart.[6]
The band was promoted by the Real World: Back to New York residents while the cast were working for Arista. Their song was panned as being "overproduced".[7]
Sophomore album and breakup
In 2003, the band released the album My So-Called Life on Arista.[8] Bassist Rob Ruccia left the band before the release of the album to pursue a career in music production, and the band recruited Avi Kopernik to play bass.[9][10] Ruccia, along with members of Nonpoint, would later launch the independent record label 361 Degrees Records.[11]
After being dropped by Arista less than a month after the release of My So-Called Life, they went to work preparing for their third album. Song writing did not progress, so Jett began to concentrate on a day job to support his family. Joe Pettinato, who already had a construction business, then left the band, and the rest of the group followed. Two songs from the intended album, "Middle of the Road" and "My Own Destiny", were able to be streamed on their official PureVolume page before the service shut down.[citation needed]
