First formed from breakup of a band called the Thing

The band was first formed in 1989 from the breakup of a band called the Thing. They continued to develop their sound between 1990 and 1991, by brothers Sal and Dan Canzonieri (a.k.a., Danny Frankenstein). With Sal on guitar and Dan on bass , their first line-up was with Frankie Orlandoni on vocals, Jim Foster on lead guitar and John Caton on drums. Within one year, Steve Miller took over as singer/vocalist and eventually also played lead guitar. Miller took time off while recording a side project, and Scott Wilkins of Verbal Abuse and Condemned to Death took over vocals for two years, after which Steve Miller returned on vocals and lead guitar. John Steele and Rob Sefcik took over alternately playing drums during the last 15 years. Ef moved to North Carolina in 2021 and reformed with Dan and Sal (on bass and guitar), Wheez Von Klaw (on drums) from The Irving Klaws and others, and Johnny (on vocals) with Jaime Pina filling in on lead guitar (from Chemical People, 45 Grave, Christian Death, and other bands) They developed a strong following in New York City and by 1995, they toured nationally and internationally. Notably, the band toured and recorded with Rik L Rik between 1996 and 1998, covering some of his songs and recording new material together. After releasing singles on a handful of independent labels , they released their first vinyl LP EF Conquers the World in 1994 and an EP , The Time Is Now, in 1995. The EP was also released on CD with added tracks from 7-inch singles as their first full-length album. Since then, they have released over 10 albums with almost every album being released on a different label.