-1996- After the split of sci-fi metal band Crab, Kristian starts writing songs for a new bandproject. The line-up is completed with Nell (vocals), Marius Kjønsberg (drums) and Joel Lørum (bass)(ex-Crab bandmate). The musical direction is melodic doom metal and the band is named Swansong.

-1997- After a 6-months-break, the band is brought back to life with a new line-up consisting of Yme Asgeir Kvistedal (guitar) and Johannes Sæbø (bass) in addition to Kristian, Nell and Marius from the original band. The slow doom n" gloom tunes of the early days is left in favour of stronger melodies and catchy up-tempo material. A couple of song from this period is still a part of The Crest"s live set.

-1998- A 2-track demo is recorded and the band plays its debut gig summer 1998 (Deeply remembered due to their terrible A-ha cover..) At this point the band is called The Covent and the live line-up is completed by Magnus Westgaard filling in on keyboards. Shortly after this gig Yme & Johannes leaves the band and the demo cd "Thunderfuel" is recorded with Magnus taking over the bass and Kristian doing all guitars and keyboards. The production is less than satisfactory, so only a few copies are made. As the synth-parts is playing a bigger role at this point, the band starts looking for a permanent keyboardist. Kristian starts working with drum machines and samples resulting in a more massive and symphonic sound.

-1999- The line up is completed with Tonje Vilberg (keyboards) and Øyvind Basmo (guitar). With this line-up the band (now a 6-piece) plays a couple of gigs and establishes local following under the name The Crest. (The name The Covent got confused with Covenant (both Norwegian and Swedish C. at this point)) Later this year Øyvind leaves the band and the song "Thorn" is recorded without a second guitarist. His place is soon filled by Sebastian, and original drummer Marius is replaced by Dache. The band gets heavier and their music gets described as "gothic-pop-metal". Not to excited with the goth-tag the band decides to promote their music as Dark Rock. The official website sees the light of day in september and the band focuses on promotion using mp3-files and massive e-advertising. With the two-track demo-CD Thorn/Childhood"s End the band starts to get attention not only in Norway. Thorn makes it to number 16 on the Goth Rock chart at mp3.com.

-2000- A new demo is recorded. "Dark Rock Armada 1998-2000" consists of four new recordings as well as the two tracks from the latest demo and a live-recording of Armada. The CD is pressed in 250 hand-numbered ex.

-2001- Dache and Tonje leaves the band and the rest of the band gets more dedicated and focused on The Crest. Finally a decent-looking promo-package is ready for mass distribution. Soon after, a record deal is offered by Season of Mist, and the band goes to Soundsuite Studio in France to record their first full-length album. The Crest hooks up with a Management and things gets more professional.

-2002- "Letters From Fire" is released and The Crest goes on their first European tour, supporting fellow Norwegians Mortiis. Klaus Blomvik is hired in as a live-drummer for the tour, leaving an impression leading to permanent membership.

As a result of a long time lack of creativity and cooperation between the bandmembers, The Crest chose to disband August 2003

2004 is the reunion year for The Crest.