Backstabbers Incorporated was formed as Life Passed On in the late nineties by Matt Serven (guitar) and Ryan McKenney (vocals).
The band is typically described as punk and hardcore as umbrella terms, but state that other influences such as grindcore, crossover thrash, post-hardcore, and death metal are often present.
[1] The use of a variety of vocal styles, from high pitched screaming to deeper growls, often serve to identify the band in both the hardcore and metal genres.
[1][6] Brian Serven also cites film composers Michael Nyman and Yann Tiersen as influences.
The band is also sometimes tied to the straight edge music culture, due to the Serven's not using drugs or alcohol and being vegan.