The band formed in 2003 "out of boredom", originally called Ten Minute Preview; however after deciding to ditch this name they renamed themselves The Blackout, taken from a T-shirt saying "I survived the blackout" referring to the New York City blackout of 1977. Having performed with the likes of fellow Welsh bands, including Funeral for a Friend, Kids in Glass Houses, The Automatic and Lostprophets, as well as Reuben, Fightstar, and other big name bands The Blackout released their EP "The Blackout! The Blackout! The Blackout!" on 23 October 2006 through Fierce Panda Records, this led to "Kerrang!" nominating The Blackout for "Best British Newcomer".