Dark Sanctuary is a French neoclassical darkwave, gothic metal band that was formed in Paris in 1996.The band's first official release was a 20-minute single-track music CD, Funeral Cry, released in 1997. At that time, the band consisted of only two members, Arkdae on keyboards and Marquise Ermia on vocals.In 1998, the band added additional members to their line-up: Hylgaryss (keyboards), Sombre Cÿr (percussion/bass) and Eliane (violins). Together, they recorded their debut album, Royaume Mélancolique. They also held their first concert in September 1998 near Paris.In November 1999, they signed with Wounded Love Records, and after Marguerite (violins) joined, recorded their 2nd album, De Lumière Et d'Obscurité, which was released in November 2000.Right after the recording sessions, Marquise Ermia left the band to continue her studies, and a new singer, Dame Pandora, joined.