The label originally existed solely to distribute Shelter and other Krishna releases. In 1992, label manager Steve Reddy bought EVR from Cappo. The focus was expanded and a wider variety of bands were brought on board. According to Punk News, "The mid-to-late '90s saw a redoubling of the Equal Vision's hardcore efforts with such signings as One King Down and Ten Yard Fight. By the end of the '90s EVR found itself with an impressive stable of hardcore and punk bands, having added Bane, Trial, Converge and Saves the Day to its roster in the latter part of the decade."

In July 2009 EVR created a sub-label named Mantralogy. This sub-label will feature bands that "deliver edgy, Krishna-conscious music."

EVR switched back its distribution of physical and digital releases to RED Distribution since January 23, 2012, after many years with Alternative Distribution Alliance.

In 2012 EVR artist Max Bemis (of Say Anything) created an imprint label named Rory Records, distributed by EVR. TALLHART is the first artist of this imprint.

On June 19, it was announced that Equal Vision Records and Casey Crescenzo of The Dear Hunter would be forming a partnership. Casey has been given his own imprint label: Cave & Canary Goods.

Current artists
A Lot Like Birds
Bane
Chiodos
Craig Owens
The Dear Hunter (Cave & Canary Goods)
Ed Tullett
Eisley
For All I Am
Gatsby's American Dream
Glass Cloud
HRVRD
House Vs. Hurricane I the Mighty
Kurt Travis
Life on Repeat
Merriment (EVR/Rory Records)
Orbs
Pretty & Nice
Say Anything
Set It Off
TALLHART (EVR/Rory Records)
Texas In July
We Came as Romans
Wild Orchid Children
William Beckett
Mantralogy bands
Gaura Vani & As Kindred Spirits
The Mayapuris
Prema Hara
SRI Kirtan