VIPERINE would be the first signing to the Metal Rules label, an imprint owned by the Metal Rules.com website. Fronted by former JAVELIN and WINTERLONG singer Hussni Mörsare the band launched the album 'The Predator Awakens' in 2004. The vocalist, together with the WINTERLONG rhythm section of bassist Erik Tornberg and drummer Tony Erkkilä united with ENDOMORPH, THE STORYTELLER, KARYAN and JAVELIN guitarist Payre 'Parka' Kankanranta in March of 2002 to form up the closing WINTERLONG line up. Switching title to VIPERINE, the group cut an opening, three song demo in 2003. Matt Buffalo took command of the drums in 2004.

In early 2005 Payre Kankanranta was announced as having joined reformed British Thrash Metal act ATOMKRAFT.