Trondheim Black Metal band MANES, a pairing of vocalist Sargatanas and guitarist Cernunnus (a.k.a. Tor-Helge Skei), first emerged with the 1993 EP 'Maanens Natt'. Founder Asgeir Hatlen had previously fronted WÅTTAMEZZ. They would follow with 1994's 'Ned I Stillhetten' and finally the 1995 effort 'Til Kongens Grav De Døde Vandrer'. The band was then forced out of the spotlight for many years when main member Cernunnos dealt with a serious medical complaint coltitis ulcerosa. During the interim former members guitarist Tom founded BLOODTHORN whilst guitarist Skei forged SUFFOCATION, the act that evolved into ATROX.

The band returned when Dutch label Hammerheart offered to repress the demos onto CD upfront of a new studio album. During 1999 the duo forged a band made up of ATROX guitarist Eivind Fjoseide, BLOODTHORN bassist Krell, erstwhile BLOODTHORN and ATROX member Knarr on drums and Pilson of THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL on keyboards. Cernunnus would act as session man for KEEP OF KALESSIN as live guitarist. Asgeir Hatlen also fronted Industrial outfit PROJECT GODDOG.

MANES returned in 2003 with the 'Vilosophe' album, recorded at Skansen Lydstudio in Trondheim. MANES in 2004 counted vocalists Asgeir Hatlen and the GRIFFIN, ATROX, GODSEND and WÅTTAMEZZ credited Tommy Sebastian Halseth, guitarists Cernunnos and Eivind Fjoseide, bassist Torstein Parelius of FROST, GASKAMMER and CHTON with THE 3RD AND THE MORTAL drummer Rune Hoemsnes.

MANES announced a 2005 album with a working title of 'Invention - Or How The World Came To An End And Why We Did It'. In February 2006 Aural Music released the '[view]' EP, this including a cover version of 16 HORSEPOWER's 'Cinder Alley'.

MANES signed with Candlelight Records in June 2006. The first product of this union came with the inclusion of demo track 'Indiscretion First Draft' on the July compilation album 'Phoenix Risen'. During October the band commenced recording its new album, provisionally titled 'Invention - Or How The World Came To An End And Why We Did It', at Spiren Studio in Rognes near Trondheim with producer Rune Stavnesli. By January 2007 these sessions had taken on a fresh title of 'How The World Came To An End' for May release.