Founded in late 1996 by Skiba, bassist Rob Doran, and drummer Glenn Porter, Alkaline Trio released its debut single, "Sundials", in 1997.

Following its release, Doran departed from the band and was replaced by Andriano, who occupied the role of co-lead vocalist alongside Skiba.

Backed by the singles "Stupid Kid" and "Private Eye", From Here to Infirmary significantly increased the band's exposure, and its follow-up, Good Mourning (2003), charted highly on the Billboard 200.

Alkaline Trio was formed in December 1996, originally consisting of Matt Skiba (guitar/lead vocals), Rob Doran (bass/vocals), and Glenn Porter (drums/vocals).

[6] In 1999, the band released the I Lied My Face Off EP on Asian Man Records and filmed their first music video, directed by Link 80 guitarist Matt Bettinelli-Olpin.

The band released an EP, God Don't Make No Trash / Up Your Ass With Broken Glass in 2005 and its first full-length, Unicornography in September 2006.

Alkaline Trio released their fifth studio album on Vagrant Records, titled Crimson,[2] on May 24, 2005, which featured the single "Time to Waste."

The single for this song also included bonus tracks produced by Squirtgun and Common Rider bassist Mass Giorgini.

This album features the original cut of Crimson released earlier in the year, while the 2nd disc has demo and acoustic/live versions of some of the songs.

Additionally, an enhanced version of the lyrics and liner notes are available for download with personal messages from the band members on the history and/or inspiration(s) behind the songs.

The band consisted of Skiba on guitar and vocals, and Josiah Steinbrick (of hardcore punk outfit F-Minus) on bass.

On the album, the duo were joined by The Mars Volta's Isaiah "Ikey" Owens on organ and Matthew Compton on drums and percussion.

[12] On January 12, 2007, the North America branch of the label announced that they were undergoing restructuring to focus on their back catalogue and digital distribution.

An accompanying DVD contained performances from The Occult Roots Tour and all the band's music videos to date.

On November 18, 2009, the band announced that they would be releasing their new album on their own newly formed label, Heart & Skull, a joint venture with Epitaph Records.

On July 14, 2012, in an interview with The Punk Site, it was confirmed by Dan Andriano that the band would begin recording their next studio album that October.

We're gonna go to England and play some shows with NOFX, do a couple festivals this fall, but it's time for us to make a new record.

"[26] While the production of the ninth album was postponed by Matt Skiba's work with Blink-182, in an interview on July 3, 2016, Skiba assured that the album would move forward, saying, "I'll be writing for a new Alkaline Trio record while on this summer tour so once things with Blink cool down a bit, the Trio can go in and make a new record and start touring again while Blink is on break.

On January 11, 2018, the band announced that the Chicago stop during their 2014/15 Past Live Tour (all eight studio albums performed in four nights) will be released in its entirety on Blu-ray, and as an eight-LP box set.

The band shared on Instagram: "Matt's recovery from throat surgery is not healing as quickly as planned and, per his doctor, he can't perform.

"[29] On July 19, 2018, Alkaline Trio announced their ninth studio album, Is This Thing Cursed?, along with the release of the lead single, "Blackbird.

In June 2021, the tour with Bad Religion was rescheduled with the first show taking place in Riverside, California, on October 15, 2021.

Grant also discussed plans for a 20th anniversary celebration for Good Mourning, explaining that he had some ideas for what they may want to do, such as shows or a rerelease of the album.

[36] On June 8, 2023, Grant announced his departure from the band after 22 years, citing mental health reasons and a desire to pursue music production and graphic design.

The band initially recorded the songs in the same sessions for Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs, but cut them from the final track list for time reasons.

[59][60] Alkaline Trio's musical influences include Screeching Weasel, Pegboy, Naked Raygun,[61] Ramones, Misfits,[62] and Green Day.

[63] The band's dark, gothic aesthetic borrows from such acts the Cure, the Sisters of Mercy, Ministry, Front 242, Bauhaus, and Joy Division.

[65][66] Dan Ozzi of Differuser wrote that Alkaline Trio's "lyrics combine the macabre imagery of the Misfits with the clever turns of phrases of Jawbreaker.

[70] Derek Grant, who joined the band after the From Here to Infirmary album, has also played for Laughing Glass, Skolars, Telegraph, The Suicide Machines, Thoughts of Ionesco, Dan Zanes, The Sugar Pup and Sean Madigan Hoen.

[72] Mohney played guitar on the first EP but did not appear in the band's debut album Unicornography, and his spot was filled in by Kelly and Hennessy.