MANDYLION is a 2002 Oslo based formation featuring former members of SACRALIS, OLD MAN'S CHILD and PECCATUM. Vocalist Anette Gulbrandsen is involved with DIMENSION F3H. Bassist Nadja Alexandra Popp is known for her involvement with XTUUM, SACRALIS and LACRIMA DEI.

The band marked their arrival with the October 2002 demo session 'At Death's Door', after which guitarist Øivind Albrethsen and drummer Finn Hansen would be replaced by the ex-PANIC pairing of guitarist Audun Aulie and drummer Jan Roger Halvorsen. The group also enrolled keyboard player Yngvar J. Christensen. Following issue of the March 2003 demo 'Exorcise', featuring a guest vocal from Narrenchiff of ILLNATH, the band made its live debut in Sandefjord. The MANDYLION credited 'Hellstorm' figured briefly in the CARPTICON line up of 2003.

MANDYLION, due to confusion with other acts bearing the same title, evolved into APHELION in April 2004.