Dark Sanctuary are a band based in Paris, France. They formed in February 1996 with the line-up of Arkdae on keyboards and Marquise Ermia on vocals. Their official debut release followed soon after, in 1997, with the "Funeral Cry" MCD, featuring one single 20 minute song. The band later added more members, including a violinist, at which point Dark Sanctuary then recorded their debut album.