Colchester's THE BLOOD DIVINE came together in late 1995 as a vehicle for erstwhile ANATHEMA vocalist Darren White and features ex-CRADLE OF FILTH guitarists Paul Allander and Paul Ryan along with keyboard player Benjamin Ryan. Drummer Was Sarginson also plies his trade with DECEMBER MOON.

In support of the 1996 'Awaken' album dates opening for label mates MY DYING BRIDE were undertaken in Europe prior to a batch of British headliners. Further forays into Europe saw THE BLOOD DIVINE appearing at many festivals, including the 'Rock In Madrid' show alongside BRUCE DICKINSON and NAPALM DEATH. The band also cut an exclusive track, 'Aureole', this only included on Peaceville's 1996 compilation 'Under The Sign Of The Sacred Star'. THE BLOOD DIVINE also gave two cover tracks to Peaceville Records 1998 tenth anniversary compilation 'X' in JOY DIVISION's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and THE OSMONDS 'Crazy Horses'.

Sarginson enjoyed a brief spell as drummer for CRADLE OF FILTH. Allander quit to create a new act LILLITH with former ENTWINED keyboard player Mark Royce and ex-CENOBITE vocalist / guitarist Mark Giltrow. The band adopted a new name of PRIMARY SLAVE but Allander was re-enlisted into the ranks of CRADLE OF FILTH in late 1999. Benjamin Ryan founded CROWFOOT with former WITCHFINDER GENERAL, BAJJON and LIONSHEART bassist Zakk Bajjon. This band, with the addition of ex-CRADLE OF FILTH guitarist Rishi Mehta and former INCARCERATED drummer Mark Cooper became RAINMAKER 888.