Formed in 1991, the Swedish black metal outfit Prophanity originated from vocalist Mathias "Farbaute" Järrebring and guitarist Christer "Grendel" Olsson. Following multiple name and personnel shifts, the lineup began to stabilize in 1993 once drummer Anders "Wouthan" Malmström joined, leading the band to commit its first demo to tape early the next year. The follow-up recording Messenger of the Northern Warrior Host quickly attracted notice within underground circles, and one song appeared on the "Sometimes Death is Better 2, 3 & 4" compilation. Subsequent to the single "I Vargens Tecken (In the Sign of the Wolf)," bassist Robert Lindmark and guitarist Nicklas Magnusson entered the ranks, after which the group captured the three-song The Battleroar during autumn 1996. Once the 1998 LP Stronger Than Steel appeared, Järrebring departed Prophanity, whereupon singer Carl-Johan Sörman took his place.
