In February 2005, Auckland-based guitarists Antony Royle and Derek Wu teamed up with South African classical violinist Yvette Van Wyk to form an experimental symphonic metal project called Iraena’s Ashes. Joined in the studio by bassist Kris O’Brien and drummer Robert Bryson, the group recorded two tracks which would signal the beginnings of a new brand of Kiwi Metal.
Later that year, the 5 track ‘Severance’ EP was released by the band now known as ALPINE FAULT.