Nitro was officially formed in 1987 after the release of Jim Gillette's solo album Proud to Be Loud, on which Michael Angelo Batio and bassist T. J. Racer performed. Drummer Bobby Rock, previously of Vinnie Vincent Invasion, was recruited and the band began recording material for their debut album. Signed with Rhino Entertainment, Nitro released O.F.R. in 1989. Rock left the band after the recording of the album, and was replaced with K. C. Comet for the subsequent promotional tour.

After the O.F.R. Tour, Comet and founding bassist Racer departed from the band, leaving Gillette and Batio to find new members. Ralph Carter and Johnny Thunder were brought in on bass and drums respectively, and the band proceeded to record the follow-up to their debut album. Nitro II: H.W.D.W.S. was released in March 1992, after which the band broke up in 1993.