Without Face were one of the most famous internationally known Hungarian progressive metal bands. They were formed in the city of Veszprém, Hungary in 1997. The band featured a dual female and male vocal line-up similar to that of gothic metal, with progressive metal and thrash metal overtones and they managed to mix these different styles in a very original own version. Their lyrics are influenced by the writings of H. P. Lovecraft, Edgar Allan Poe, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
In 1998, Without Face recorded its first self-titled demo Without Face. Constant touring and the demo resulted in a deal for their first album Deep Inside with Hammer Music Productions, in 2000. Without Face also appeared on a number of the label's metal music compilations. Their first album was subsequently re-released in the United States by the Dark Symphonies Records label.
The band were approached by English producer Lee Barrett, from Elitist - Earache Records for a four-album deal and worldwide release in 2002. A full-length album, Astronomicon was released in late 2002 and received favourable reviews from the metal music press.