Initially called "Sodomy Squad", the band was co-founded in 1979 by vocalist Todd Payden and bass player Michael Brevetz while they were students at North Hollywood's Walter Reed Jr. High School.

Needing a drummer and guitarist, Brevetz and Payden recruited fellow students Marc Woodson and Anthony Gallo to complete the lineup.

New Regime was part of the first wave of the California punk scene, initially playing backyard parties and underground night clubs throughout the San Fernando Valley and Hollywood areas of Los Angeles.

[5] New Regime were offered the opening slot for Suicidal Tendencies in Sacramento after suggestion from (Black Flag, Würm) bassist Chuck Dukowski who caught one of their shows and thought they sounded a lot like them.

After these shows and a growing fan base, New Regime went on the road as the opener for Venice punk Icons Suicidal Tendencies in Sacramento.

Singer songwriter Todd Payden went on to do a solo career as "Huge Mood" and still writes songs and does spoken word poetry.