Jonah33 was founded in 2002 by Vince Lichlyter, who grew up in
Seattle,
Washington. After moving to Arkansas and starting a student ministry there, he put together a musical ensemble which attracted the interest of
Ardent Records. Ardent released Jonah33's self-titled debut album on June 24, 2003. Two members of American Christian rock band
Skillet,
John and Korey Cooper, contributed to Jonah33's first album; John contributed bass guitar alongside Skidd Mills and wrote two songs, "Watching You Die" and "Death and the Life", while Korey wrote the song "God of My Life".
The Strangest Day followed in 2005, which peaked at No. 49 on
Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart in 2006. Switching to independent label Ares Records, the band's third LP,
The Heart of War, was released in July 2007. ==Disband and reunion==