Victory Records was founded in 1989 by Tony Brummel in Chicago, Illinois. Initially focusing on punk and hardcore music, the label gained prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a key player in the post-hardcore and metalcore scenes. Notable artists associated with Victory include Taking Back Sunday, Hawthorne Heights, and Silverstein, who helped define the sound of the era. The label's roster showcased a variety of genres, including pop punk, metalcore, and alternative rock, contributing to the diverse landscape of 2000s music. Victory Records was known for its DIY ethos and strong artist relationships, though it faced criticism for its business practices and legal disputes, particularly with former artists. Despite these controversies, the label's influence on the punk and alternative music scenes remains significant, and it continues to be recognized for its role in promoting underground talent and shaping music trends during its peak years.