DARK ILLUSION was active on the Stockholm scene during the early eighties but, following demo recordings, folded during 1985. Original personnel guitarists Tomas Hultqvist and Niklas Tengblad resolved to reform the group during 2003. The resulting EP, 'For Just Another Night', was notably fronted by Thomas Vikström of CANDLEMASS and TALK OF THE TOWN repute. The title track also saw inclusion on a 2004 German compilation album 'Melodic Rock Is Back Vol. 5'.

Inspired by this success DARK ILLUSION set to work on the album 'Beyond The Shadows'. Vikström again contributed vocals and the equally highly regarded rhythm section of bass player Pontus Egberg, of GREAT KING RAT, DAMAGE DONE, THE RING, LION'S SHARE, ZAN CLAN, TALISMAN and THE POODLES, and Jonas Östman, of GOTHAM CITY, GLORY and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, on drums was also employed. Original DARK ILLUSION bassist Ola Jansson also featured on three songs.

Thomas Vikström joined THERION in May 2009.