Theory of Ruin is a noise rock trio based in San Francisco comprising singer/guitarist Alex Newport (ex-Fudge Tunnel, Nailbomb, etc.), bassist David Link, and drummer Ches Smith. Working in-between Newport's ever-increasing commitments as a producer, Theory of Ruin released their debut album, Counter-Culture Nosebleed in 2002, and followed it with the Frontline Posterchild E.P. in late 2003.