Helsinki's CRYHAVOC began their musical journey entitled PREPROPHECY issuing the acclaimed Death Metal demos 'A Tomb Of Sanity' in 1993 and its follow up 'Season Of Sorrows'. A name switch to RAVENSFALL saw the addition of ABSURDUS rhythm section bassist Taneli Nyholm and drummer Matti Roiha in 1996. However, when ABSURDUS were signed by the British Candlelight label Nyholm and Roiha disembarked back to their priority act. (Nyholm, billed as 'Daniel Stuka', would later join BABYLON WHORES).

A deal was struck with a Singapore based label and RAVENSFALL began preparation for recording of a debut album. Fate intervened when the label in question folded leaving the band high and dry. Noted label Spinefarm came to their rescue and the band, now billed as CRYHAVOC, cut their debut entitled 'Sweetbriers', issued in May 1998.

Sales of the album were high, no doubt aided by the artistic sleeve photo cover imagery, and 'Pitch Black Blues' emerged in August 1999. Touring, despite support dates to THE GATHERING in Europe, would be minimal although a short batch of Finnish dates was conducted with DARK TRANQUILITY and IN FLAMES during October.

'Pitch Black Blues' would be licensed to Brazil through Rock Brigade Records, Japan via Avalon / Marquee and in Poland on cassette format by Mystic Productions.