Although brought together as a “side-project”, it was clear from the beginning that Hermano was indeed a band. Hermano entered the recording studio for the first time in the spring of 1999. Initial sessions were funded by infamous cult artist Frank Kozik. Completed in the winter of 2000 …Only A Suggestion (2002) finally appeared in the summer of 2002, and started touring.

The success of these now legendary tours, and the response of audience around the world, motivated the group to begin the process for a follow-up release. Again slowed down by legal hurdles, it would take another two years before the follow-up could begin production. During this period, drummer Steve Earle began to focus on his solo career, and asked that Supafuzz drummer Chris Leathers to fill his shoes. Chris joined the band for the first time at the Azkena Festival in Spain in 2003 and became an official Hermano thereafter.

During this period, Hermano proved itself a force to be reckoned with. The live shows were intense. The music hit a nerve. It was also pointed out by the press and fans that Hermano shunned the typical “rock star” stance: Hermano is about friendship, family, expression, art and life as they know it… no battle-of-the-bands, no dreams of grandeur… just a group of guys with values and talent who enjoy being with each other and making music together whenever possible.