Once Nothing was established in 2000 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The band was first comprised of Todd Lowry on vocals, Dave Burkes on bass, Ryan Carroll on guitar, and Kevin Hough on drums. Later, guitarist Josh Branas joined, and the band toured locally until 2005 when Carroll and Hough departed. Giuseppe Capolupo replaced Hough on drums, and Burkes switched to guitar when Steve Lucarelli joined on bass. They self-released an EP titled "Voice of the Paragon" in 2006.

In 2007, Once Nothing signed with CI Records to release their second EP, “Earthmover”. The six song EP featured songs like “Waves” and “Gunfire Is The Sound of Freedom”.

Once Nothing then signed Solid State Records to release their debut full-length album. "First Came the Law," came out on January 15, 2008. After the album’s release, the band toured extensively for over a year before parting ways.

The band had farewell shows in April 2009, featuring past and current members. They reunited briefly in May 2010 for two shows and again in 2012, announcing a reformation. They recorded the EP "The Indiana Sessions" in 2013.

On December 18, 2021, the band performed a Christmas reunion show at Preserving Underground. In 2022 the band announced a "Party Time" reunion show being held at Penn Brewery on Jan 28, featuring opening acts Greywalker, Windchimes, and Casketmaker.

Most recently, Once Nothing joined fellow CI Records alumni on the Christmas Burns Red IV lineup on December 8th, 2023!