Destiny's End

Emerging in Los Angeles during the 1990s, Destiny's End developed a metal approach reminiscent of Megadeth and Metallica while drawing additional inspiration from Iced Earth and Blind Guardian. The lineup featured vocalist James Rivera, guitarists Perry Grayson and Dan DeLucie, drummer Brian Craig, and bassist Nardo Andi. Each participant arrived with substantial prior involvement in the genre. Rivera had previously performed with Helstar. Craig, Andi, and DeLucie had collaborated in New Eden. Craig and Andi had also played together in Shadow Insane. DeLucie recorded with Secret Wisdom, Grayson with Stormhaven, and the gifted Rivera with Scorcher, Bad Heaven, and Vigilante.

Destiny's End issued its first album, Breathe Deep the Dark, through Metal Blade Records in 1998. The symphonic release featured brisk, aggressive tracks such as "Sinister Deity," "Immortal," "Under Destruction's Thumb," and "Rebirth." In May 2000 Perry Grayson relinquished his role as guitarist shortly after the band finished recording its second album, Transition. Facing upcoming tour commitments, the group promptly enlisted veteran guitarist Eric Halpern to fill the position.