[1] Douglas Pearce of Death In June coined the company name in 1991,[2] World Serpent being another name for Jörmungandr.

[3] World Serpent was well known for distributing music by many post-industrial, apocalyptic folk, neofolk, avant-garde and otherwise esoteric or experimental artists, such as Death In June, NER, Current 93, Durtro, Sol Invictus, Tursa, Coil, Threshold House, Nurse With Wound, United Dairies, Zone, Elijah's Mantle, De Nova Da Capo, Orchis, Cryptanthus, Ozymandias, Ramses Records and many others.

[5] Following a long period of rumours, Boyd Rice left World Serpent Distribution.

Pearce also gave back his shares in the company he had helped form, but was no longer interested in or affiliated to.

[6][7] Many artists distributed through World Serpent, such as Chris and Cosey, had not been informed by the company and may still be owed past dues.