"Widespread Bloodshed" was the first and only LP from Venice, CA thrash titans No Mercy, who, on this recording, featured Mike Muir and Mike Clark of Suicidal Tendencies. After its release, the band was about to record their second album with many new songs already written, but Clayton and Troy quit. Instead of recruiting new members, Muir decided to "merge" the two bands by having Clark join Suicidal Tendencies.