Assemblage 23 was officially born in 1988, after Tom Shear experienced the industrial dance music played by an opening DJ for Depeche Mode. The style of this genre deeply impressed Shear; he believed he had finally found the sort of sound he wanted for his music. Even so, the project was more of a hobby for Shear at this point; it took until 1998 for Assemblage 23 to gather enough positive acclaim to attract the attention of record labels.
> L
The Cure
Evanescence
Zambayonny
Him
Nightwish
Marilyn Manson
Halestorm
Lacuna Coil
The 69 Eyes
Nightmare