Stavanger band ELD was created in 1998 billed as A WINTER WITHIN, initially with a female singer although this idea was soon dropped. Founder members bassist Laeturnus and drummer S. Winter pulled in Morloc (Mikael Stokdal) of MYRIADS and MAJESTIC on lead vocals and keyboards in 1999. Later the same year Danish born ex-122 STAB WOUNDS and PANZERCHRIST guitarist F. Conquer was enrolled and then British musician Dominy took over keyboards for the 'Frostbitten' demo.

Both Laeturnus and S. Winter were also employed as rhythm section for FORLORN although the drummer, active with IN CURSED OBSESSION, relinquished this position in February of 2004. During 2004 A WINTER WITHIN evolved into ELD for the demo 'Primeval Vespars'. By this stage the group was trimmed down to a trio comprising vocalist / bassist Laeturnus, guitarist Midnatt and drummer S. Winter.