Vocalist Byron Roberts originated the symphonic metal band Bal Sagoth after first envisioning the project in 1989, although he waited until mid-1993 before assembling a working group with guitarist Chris Maudling and the guitarist’s brother Jonny on drums. Bassist Jason Porter and keyboardist Vincent Crabtree soon joined, completing the initial roster, and the musicians tracked their debut demo before the end of that year. The group quickly secured a deal with Cacophonous Records and began recording its first album, yet the finished release A Black Moon Broods over Lemuria remained unreleased for more than twelve months, finally emerging in spring 1995. By that point Vincent Crabtree had already departed, leaving keyboardist Leon Forrest to fill the role. Following completion of the second album Starfire Burning Upon the Ice-Veiled Throne of Ultima Thule, the band parted ways with Jason Porter; bassist Alistair MacLatchy stepped in for Bal Sagoth’s inaugural European tour. After the 1998 album Battle Magic appeared, Jonny Maudling, Leon Forrest, and Alistair MacLatchy all exited, prompting the addition of bassist Mark Greenwell and drummer Dave Mackintosh ahead of 1999’s The Power Cosmic.
