1349, named for the year the plague hit Norway in the 14th Century, found immediate cult status with the recording and release of their self-titled mini-album in 2001. Word of mouth spread like the plague about the band's musical offering, and Frost, who initially joined the group as a session musician, would later ask to become a permanent member. Vocalist Ravn, guitarists Tjalve and Archaon, and bassist Seidemann agreed and 1349 was complete. The band signed to Candlelight Records in late 2002.