Howell, New Jersey Black Metal band ABYSMAL GATES, debuting with a 2000 self-titled demo cassette, was founded by erstwhile NIGHT'S BLOOD members Eldritch (a.k.a. Shawn Eldridge), on drums, and Ciemnosc (Brian Gawaski), as vocalist / guitarist. The latter also cites credites with ABAZAGORATH and BEYOND THE FLESH. The 'Empire Of The Fallen' EP included session players Arminius on keyboards and bassist John. Subsequent additions to the ABYSMAL GATES ranks would be SUSPYRE guitarist Swarm, DARK EMPIRE, MUTINY, ABIGAIL WILLIAMS, SUSPYRE and RISING PHOENIX bassist Samus (Sam Paulicelli) and keyboard player Avarice. Black Flames Productions released the 2004 EP 'Divine Deception'. Eldridge joined the ranks of FUNEBRARUM in 2005. The drummer also held ties to DIVINITY DESTROYED and KALOPSIA.

Diverting from their Black Metal roots and towards progressive Dark Metal, ABYSMAL GATES members Shawn Eldridge and Brian Gawaski switched title to THE CIEM SHOW in 2007.They would be joined by other ABYSMAL GATES personnel bassist Ephialtes (Roger Pineo) and keyboard player Avarice.