Keep of Kalessin was formed as Ildskjaer in 1993/94 by Ghâsh (guitar, vocals) and Obsidian C. (drums). Shortly after they were formed they performed some gigs and then recruited some members. Obsidian C. was originally a guitarist so he switched back to guitars and then Vyl (drums) & Warach (bass) joined the band. Problems then occured because of the lack of rehearsal. There was no place for them to rehearse so a six months break came. However, in 1996 they managed to record the demo "Skygger av Sorg". The band decided not sell it because they were unsatisfied with it, but did however send it out to labels. A Greek label called Demonion Productions offered to release the demo tape and Avantgarde Music gave them a multi-albums contract.

In 1997 "Through Times of War" was recorded and released. It was then followed by "Agnen: A Journey Through the Dark" in 1999 and after the release all members but Obsidian C. left the band and the band was dead until 2003. Frost of Satyricon joined the band along with Attila Csihar and the MCD "Reclaim" was recorded and released.