Nicholson began his career playing bass for the Santa Monica, California-based speed/thrash metal band Cryptic Slaughter, performing on several of their albums.

[1] Formed in 1987 by vocalist Lauren Boquette under the name Yesterday's Tear, Drown was rounded out by Nicholson (bass), Joseph Bishara (guitars/keyboards), and Todd Allen (drums).

[2] Suffer was formed by bassist Bruce Albertson with Nicholson after leaving Drown, switching from bass to lead vocals and guitar.

Suffer managed to score a deal with Walt Disney Music and used the money to finance a seven-song EP, "Heads You Lose, Tails I Win", but broke up shortly after the release.

Nicholson was invited to contribute lead vocals on the band's debut release, "Terror From Beyond Space", issued by Napalm Records in 1997.

Killing Spree was founded by former Sickening Gore members Jerry McKenzie (guitar) and Chris Huwiler (drums), and also featured Trebor Dunn (programming) and future Body Count bassist Vince Dennis a.k.a.