A long-running epic doom-metal group with a propensity toward ornate, classical-influenced arrangements, Virginia's While Heaven Wept was founded in 1989 by vocalist, guitarist, and sole constant member Tom Phillips. The band elicited acclaim in the metal underground for 2003's Of Empires Forlorn and 2009's Vast Oceans Lachrymose, the latter of which adopted a more muscular and progressive style. Subsequent efforts like Fear of Infinity (2011) and Suspended at Aphelion (2014) continued to explore metal subgenres, weaving elements of thrash and darkwave into the group's mournful and expansive Baroque-doom sound.