MacNeil originally envisioned the project's music as similar to his first punk rock band, Plan 9.

[4] MacNeil formed Black Lungs with original members percussionist Jordan Hastings, keyboardists Sammi Bogdanski, and Alexisonfire's George Pettit on bass.

[5] The side project released their first studio album, Send Flowers, in May, 2008 on Dine Alone Records[6][7] with Ian Romano on drums.

On March 8, 2011, Wade announced a Split EP with fellow Canadians, Cancer Bats.

After recording the album, titled Pagan Holiday, it was shelved for over four years before being released online for free on Halloween of 2015.