Hailing from Kristiansand, Norway, In Vain has been a pioneering force in Norwegian progressive extreme metal since 2003. Founded by guitarist Johnar Håland and vocalist Andreas Frigstad, the band’s melodic extreme metal sound set them apart early on.
After releasing two EPs in 2004 and 2005, in 2007, In Vain released their first full-length album, The Latter Rain, a collaborative effort with nearly 20 guest musicians, showcasing their prowess in diverse, progressive arrangements. Subsequent albums like Mantra (2010) and Ænigma (2013) and Currents (2018) continued to push musical boundaries. Ænigma is now held by many as a landmark of the genre.

In 2024, over two decades since their grand debut, In Vain triumphantly returned with their fifth masterpiece, Solemn. As with the two preceding albums, mixing was handled by Jens Bogren (Opeth, Dimmu Borgir, Katatonia, Devin Townsend, etc.) at Fascination Street Studios. 
Once again, the band received a standing ovation from both media and fans. The album was listed on a countless number of ‘Album of the Year lists’.