Brett Gurewitz formed Epitaph Records as a vehicle for releases by his band Bad Religion.

In the following year, Epitaph released its first record as a proper label, which was L7's self-titled album, and it was distributed by Chameleon.

By 1993, more punk acts had signed to Epitaph, and the label relocated to new offices in Silver Lake, Los Angeles.

[8] Another source claims label management joined RIAA to get certified sales awards (i.e., official "Gold" or "Platinum" record status) for releases.

In addition, Fat Wreck Chords has released statements denying their own involvement in the RIAA, condemning the organization.

The label has also been more active in signing bands from the emo revival including The Menzingers, Joyce Manor, Pianos Become the Teeth, Defeater, the World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die, and Touché Amoré.

[13] Seven albums released by the label, or its subsidiaries Hellcat and ANTI-, have been certified gold for sales of 500,000 copies: Ignition by the Offspring, Punk in Drublic by NOFX, Let's Go by Rancid, Orphans: Brawlers, Bawlers & Bastards by Tom Waits, The Drug in Me Is You and Popular Monster by Falling in Reverse, The Warrior's Code by Dropkick Murphys and Sempiternal by Bring Me the Horizon.