Formed in January of 2004 in South Amboy, New Jersey, and later on based out of East Brunswick, progressive post-hardcore unit Ashes Are Nutritious (stylized as ashes.are.nutritious) grabbed much of their influence from forward-thinking acts such as At the Drive-In, Refused, and the Mars Volta. The band mates recorded a three-song demo in the summer of 2004 with help from co-producers Billy Graziadei and Danny Schuler of Brooklyn hardcore metal outfit Biohazard, and they became known for an especially invigorating live set as they played shows in the area.