Xylem released their first CD-- self-titled "Xylem"-- in May 2008. The band was started in early 2008 by Jim Seekamp after running into an old acquaintance, drummer Mark Mueller, in 2007. After trying out some other guitarists and bass players, they met Ken Wagman. His melodic lead guitar solos made an immediate impression, and Xylem was born!

Xylem is actually named after a song called "Xylem" on their first CD. The word "xylem" refers to the cells of a tree that carry nourishment up from the roots. Jim wrote the song about how believers in the world parallel the xylem of a tree.