Arthur Green was born in the Philippines, with his father being an American citizen in the United States Military.[3] Growing up in the U.S., Green would play bass in a few punk bands in the Arkansas area. After meeting Cory Brandan Putman and Matthew Putman, the three formed a band called Funnel.[3] In 1995, Green formed Elliot, with Cory on vocals, Matt on drums, and Matt Depper on guitars. They recorded the EPThe Plateau Green before Depper quit. Jayson Holmes took over guitars and the band changed their name to Eso-Charis. The band recorded Eso-Charis, which was released through Seize the Day Records, founded by Bruce Fitzhugh. After the album was released and pressed, the band went on tour with Living Sacrifice and Embodyment.[3] The band would also record a 7" Setting Roots for Winter before Green and Matt Putman quit.[3]