Jyväskylä Black Metal band EMPYREAN BANE, created during 2001, comprises a wealth of noted Finnish extreme Metal musicians. Singer Mikko Kotamäki has ties to outfits such as VERICALA, SWALLOW THE SUN, FUNERIS NOCTURNUM and ENTER MY SILENCE, drummer Vethor holds links to ARTHEMSEIA, ENSIFERUM and CADACROSS whilst keyboard player Ruho (a.k.a. Aleksi Munter) holds RANDOM, SWALLOW THE SUN, TROLLHEIM'S GROTT and FUNERIS NOCTURNUM credits. The 2004 demo session 'Divine Puppetry' saw guest inclusion on vocals by Infection (M. Luukkainen) of UNVEILED, HORNA, SOTAJUMALA, OBSCURANT and ALGHAZANTH.

EMPYREAN BANE has also featured CADACROSS, TURISAS and TIMEKEEPER guitarist Tino Ahola.

In late 2007 singer Mikko Kotamäki forged side venture BARREN EARTH, a Progressive Folk Metal project with distinct 70s influences featuring members of KREATOR, guitar player Sami Yli-Sirniö, MOONSORROW members guitarist Janne Perttilä and drummer Marko Tarvonen, and MANNHAI, bassist Olli-Pekka Laine.