Blacksburg, Virginia based ACCURSED DAWN, originally entitled LYING IN ASHES, was founded in the Autumn of 2002 upon the demise of Black Metal act SHADAR HARAN. Guitarists Chuck Henry and Brian Blickle recruited drummer Brian Switzer from Metalcore act SHRED OF HOPE. Vocals would be handled by former AVULSION and SHADOWS man Brett Coverdale whilst ex-BLACK REIGN man Philip D'Arcangelis took on bass duties. ACCURSED DAWN debuted with the 2003 EP 'Eternal Twilight', followed by promotional session 'With A Mortal Grace' in 2004.

Will Barry of HIT BY A HEARSE joined as bassist in May of 2004. The band would then enter the studio to record the album 'Manifest Damnation (The Creation Affect)'. Gigs in March 2005 saw ACCURSED DAWN using the services of fill-in band members, after which they set out to audition fresh personnel. The band called it quits in May 2006. Brian Switzer joined up with THE KNIFE TRADE, Brian Blickle hooked up with BARONESS whilst Will Barry united with VALKYRIE.