Cryptopsy was formed in 1988 by drummer Mike Atkin, guitarist Steve Thibault and vocalist Dan Greening (who would later take the name "Lord Worm" because he would dig up and ingest worms on stage) under the name "Necrosis". John Todds later joined on bass. The band released several demos, including Mastication and Heterodontism (1989), Realms Of Pathogenia (1991) and Necrosis (1992). The band made their first live appearance in 1992, and changed their name to "Cryptopsy" the same year.
Atkin, whose musical direction was heading in a more thrash/speed metal vein, left the band and was replaced by Flo Mounier (introduced to the band by Todds), whose "high speed and hard hitting drumming" style would mark the beginning of the Cryptopsy sound. Todds left Necrosis shortly thereafter and retired from music to focus on his family. Guitarist Dave Galea also joined the band.
