Before the members of the band came together, becoming Coheed & Cambria, they had experimented with music as Shabutie, formed in 1995 during their high school years. Two EP's were released under the name Shabutie, the Penelope EP and the Delirium Trigger EP, the latter contained songs that were later featured on their debut as Coheed & Cambria.

Coheed & Cambria began in 2001 when Shabutie's Claudio Sanchez (vocals, guitar) got together with friends Travis Stever (guitar), Michael Todd (bass), and Joshua Eppard (drums). Although no one fully understands the story, Co&Ca is based around a sci-fi fairy tale created in the mind of Claudio Sanchez. This fairy tale focuses on 'The Bag Adventures' of a husband, Coheed, his wife, Cambria, and their four children, one of which is named Claudio. The story is to be released on five albums, the first part being released last, and also later released as a comic book.

Co&Ca began recording various demo tracks in an effort to grab a record deal. Through a friend their demos arrived in the hands of Equal Vision Records. After the band was picked up by Equal Vision they began work on their debut album, "The Second Stage Turbine Blade," which released in March of 2002. This debut was mainly recognized by underground punk fans, however this all changed with their next album. In late 2003, their second album, "In Keeping Secrets Of Silent Earth: 3," was released on Equal Vision Records after recording sessions in Japan. Shortly after this album hit stores, they began their biggest tour yet with bands Thursday and Thrice and later joined Bad Religion in the 2004 Vans Warped Tour. Merely 5 or 6 months after the album release, their video for "Favor House Atlantic" was featured on Buzzworthy on MTV. Coheed & Cambria's heavy sound has taken them a very far way from their origins in Shabutie.