Svartahrid was formed in the fall of 1994 by Forn (drums) and Istar (vocals/guitars). Illvastar (bass) joined the band in 1996 and soon thereafter, Bjorn Andre was asked to take on the keyboard responsibilities. Svartahrid's first demo was released in June 1998 and included songs from both Forthcoming Storm and Herskende i Blod. Within 5 months of the release of this demo, the band signed to Napalm Records and quickly recorded their debut, Forthcoming Storm, at Akkerhaugen Studio. It was released on October 25, 1999. At about the same time, Bjorn Andre left the band and was not replaced. Forn took over the keyboard responsibilities during the recording of As the Sunrise Flickers in the fall of 2000 at Akkerhaugen.
