Founded in 1984 by guitarist R. B. Brogi, MESSIAH built up impressive sales of their first two albums. 'Extreme Cold Weather' sold in excess of 12'000 units alone, prompting a deal with Noise Records. MESSIAH's line-up changed in 1993 with the departure of vocalist Andy Kaina and bassist Patrick Hersche. The bass position was filled by Oliver Koll and a new vocalist was found in THERION man Christofer Johnsson. Hersche subsequently joined AMON and then later Gothic Metal band SUCCUBUS. Johnsson reinstigated THERION. Bassist Patrick Hersche joined Death Metal crew REQUIEM during 2003.