Okoi Jones and Cam Sinclair began working together musically in late 1999, and after some brief involvement in another project (which failed to take off the ground), they acquired fresh inspiration to start Aphelon in 2000 and began writing original material.
Creative endeavours proved successful and by 2001 Aphelon had become well known within the local Christchurch scene, though a period of failed relationships with bass and guitar players saw the band go through several personnel changes. Finally a stable line-up was achieved with Brad Kneale on bass; the band performed at the annual Christchurch 'Satanfest' in 2001 alongside Misery (Australia), Dawn Of Azazel, Skuldom and Meatyard.
Released before Satanfest was a home recording of Aphelon's songs to date - this being the first demo entitled 'Deathdrone'. This was limited to 20 tape copies only and designed to acquaint the Satanfest crowd with Aphelon's sound.