COC started as a hardcore punk band in 1982 in Raleigh, North Carolina, with original members Reed Mullin on drums, Woody Weatherman on guitar, Mike Dean on bass and Benji Shelton on vocals. COC were pioneers of the crossover thrash genre in the 1980s.They were featured on the 'No Core' compilation tape and made their vinyl debut in 1983 on the 'Why Are We Here' 7' compilation with other North Carolina area bands like Blood Mobile, Stillborn Christians, and No Labels.