Black Metal group hailing from Äänekoski. The act was previously titled TESTATOR upon their formation in 1989. A further name change to THOR'S HAMMER eventually led to MORNINGSTAR and the 1992 demo 'Obscure Aurora Above Us'. A 1993 demo 'Inside The Circle Of The Pentagram' and the live 'Alcoholica' tape eventually led to a deal with American label Wild Rags for the mini album 'As The Wolves Howl...'. A 1996 full length effort 'Rivendell' saw MORNINGSTAR comprised of vocalist / guitarist Ari Honkonen, bass player Mikko Paavilainen, who had replaced previous encumbent Tomi Kankainen, and CLAYFORGE drummer Pasi Pasanen.

A 7" single 'Before The Dawn' and the 'Heretic Metal' album arrived in 1996 on the Moonlight label. MORNINGSTAR would then switch to the newly founded R.I.P. label for the aptly titled 'Hell' opus.

During 1995 frontman Ari Honkonen commenced work on two outside project bands, PERKELE, issuing the Ancestral Metal demo session 'Pohjula', and Doom Metal act MINOTAURI. PERKELE would ultimately evolve into IRONBIRD releasing the demo 'In The Name Of Turisas' whilst MINOTAURI would release the 'Pain Of Life' 7" single through the German underground label Iron Bonehead Productions in 2001.

Although still officially active, as of 2001, MORNINGSTAR was down to just the sole endeavours of Honkonen. Enrolling to cover drums would be Benjam Niininen, scene veteran of WAKBOTH, SAMMOHAN, UTGARD, EXIT WOUNDS and BURIALMOUND.

Erstwhile drummer Pasi Pasanen would re-emerge with Death Metal band MURDER IN ART, Stoners PLUTONIUM ORANGE and Doomsters SWALLOW THE SUN.

Honkonen also cut NWoBHM styled demos in 1998 billed as AXE INVASION. He would form a full blown NWoBHM band HEATHEN HOOF in 2002 in collaboration with his MORNINGSTAR colleagues Tomi Kankainen on bass guitar, second guitarist Jani Lamberg and drummer Benjam Niininen.