COLCOTHAR was forged during 1996 by guitarist Thomas Vanhaesebroeck and drummer Xavier Verleye, initially taking on the band title of INTUITION. A female guitarist would be short lived and the duo took on the title of IMMANENCE, this brand only lasting for one concert. Adding guitarist Matthias Stocké the group evolved into COLCOTHAR, subsequently drawing in frontman Xavier Deschuyter and bassist Kevin. However, Verleye decamped, being replaced by Tim then Nijsie.

The band inducted the former DAWN OF NONE rhythm section of Peter Van Daele on 5-string bass and Maarten Nachtergaele on drums in October of 2002. COLCOTHAR parted ways with singer Xavier 'Nihil' Deschuyter in March of 2004. The band added DEATHTRAP singer Gratiën Versypt to fill the vacancy in September.