The American death metal band Divine Empire was formed in 1998 by several former Malevolent Creation members. After having released their debut album "Redemption" they did a long American tour together with Gorguts, Cryptopsy and Vader. In 1999 they did even more shows in the US and Canada, this time with Emperor, Borknagar, Witchery and Peccatum. After these shows drummer Derek Roddy left and made way for Alex Marquez for their second album "Doomed To Inherit". As bass player / vocalist Jason Blachowicz was jailed the band was forced to take a break. He had been attacked by a drunk with a broken bottle and as he defended himself he seriously injured his assailant. He was freed in October 2001. In May of 2002 drummer Duane Timlin joined the band as a new member. A new tour followed in the summer of 2002 with Kataklysm, Beyond The Embrace and Misery Index. In May 2003 another North American tour was completed with Skinless, Misery Index and Dying Fetus.
