Created in 1996 this Death Metal act cited a founding line up of twin lead vocalists Nik Mertens and Rob Slegers, guitarist Wim Melis, bassist Jeff Boeckx and drummer Jan Boeckx. Adding Bart Boeckx on keyboards ASHMOLEAN released the six song 'Close... As Red In Blood' demo tape in April 1997. A self financed promotion EP entitled 'Elegy's For Your Embrace' was delivered in 1998 after which both Jeff Boeckx and Jan Boeckx departed. ASHMOLEAN regrouped by enlisting Wim Meeuws on bass and Guy Vernelen on the drums. This line up debuted with the 2001 EP 'Daylightstruggle'.

Raf Aarts, previously with Thrashers SCARRED MIND, joined as second guitarist in August of 2002.