He is best known for extreme music released under the stage name Prurient, as well as numerous other aliases including Vatican Shadow, Rainforest Spiritual Enslavement and Christian Cosmos.

[5] He recounts his entrance into public school and his exposure to death metal and tape trading as early sources of musical interest.

"[6] Fernow has resided in Providence, New York City, Los Angeles,[7] and Berlin,[8] and runs the labels Hospital Productions and Bed of Nails.

In the past, he collaborated with artists like John Wiese, Jeff Plummer (of Immaculate:Grotesque and Shallow Waters), Kris Lapke (of Alberich and MCMS), Wolf Eyes, Macronympha, and Philip Best (of Whitehouse and Consumer Electronics).

[10] Fernow has also performed in various bands, such as Football Rabbit, Vegas Martyrs, Taylor Bow, Ash Pool, and formerly as part of Cold Cave.