Beginning in 1995, Strychnine began with the lineup of guitarist Len Rokk, bassist Mike-O-Psycho, guitarist Damen Vermon, drummer Markley Hart, and singer Jimi. Releasing singles and going on tour, the band found themselves recording Dead Rats and Oakland Dogs in 1996 for East Bay Menace Records.

Touring through America and Europe through the next year, Mike-O-Psycho left the band and was replaced by former Naked Aggression bassist Joe. Both guitarists left the band soon after, and were replaced by Brian Hood in time for their second release, Born Too Loose. Finding themselves running out of money and records to sell, Industrial Strength Records agreed to re-release the album on CD with bonus tracks to promote their tour. The band continued touring through 2001, carving out their place in the underground punk scene. ~ Bradley Torreano, Rovi