Formed in August of 1997, The Mercury Program was originally a trio consisting of Dave Lebleu on Drums, Sander Travisano on Bass, and Tom Reno on Guitar and Vocals. In July of 1999 the band released their self-titled debut full-length on Boxcar Records.

Shortly after the self-titled album was released, the band began working with Tiger Style, and Whit Travisano joined the band as a full-time 4th member.