Formed in Washington DC in 1998, Age Of Ruin was conceived as a band that whould blend the melodic elements of Scandinavian metal with the brutality of the heavy American hardcore scene. This endeavor was begun as a four piece consisting of the melodic metal six string styling of guitarist Daniel Fleming along with a crushing rhythm section consisting of drummer Pat Owens and bassist Chris Fleming overarched by the possessed guttural intensity of vocalist Derrick Kozerka.