the band would employ israeli guitarist nir 'the goat' doliner of lehavoth, even undertaking gigs in israel opening for amon amarth. unable to secure a bassist nicolas would switch from guitar to cover this role. eventually the distance factor for doliner prevented a full-time role. in early 2004 therefore the band inducted geert as second guitarist. the band enrolled former pyaemia bassist frank rizzo as guitarist in late 2003. meantime, isaac fired up a noise side project billed as permanent death whilst vocalist sven de caluwé would front in-quest for an album.