They released their debut album, Unity Is Strength, in 1989 and the EP I Refuse to Lose under this name with a different lineup in 1992.

The album, which explored various social issues such as the death of lead singer Rey Oropeza's father at the hands of the LAPD, was praised by critics.

In 1994, Downset signed a deal with Mercury Records, a subsidiary of PolyGram, and released their self-titled effort in the same year.

In 1996, the band released their most commercially successful album, Do We Speak a Dead Language?, through Mercury.

toured with prominent bands such as Linkin Park, Pantera, Slayer, Metallica, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Korn, Snoop Dogg, Testament and Anthrax.