Heathen Hoof was formed in 2002 by Ari Honkonen. Ari was already playing (and still plays!) guitar in His other bands Morningstar and Minotauri, but He wanted to play with another guitar player for a change and so Heathen Hoof was born! The first line-up included Morningstar-bassist Jani Lamberg on guitar, an ex-Morningstar bassist Tomi Kankainen on bass, an old drinking friend Mikko "Beergut" Nurmi on vocals and an ex-Morningstar drummer Benjam Niininen on drums. The first demo was recorded after a few rehearsals. A small record label named Metal Coven Records wanted to release a split 7" containing a song from Heathen Hoof and so the Hoof-boys went to studio late 2002 and recorded a new version of "Son of the Horned God". The split 7" single was released early 2003 as limited edition. Benjam left the band and another session drummer stayed with the Hoof-boys some time, until a young and talented guy named Juuso Raatikainen joined the band late 2003. A new demo was recorded early 2004. The band played their first shows and in late 2004 an american label Nuclear War Now! Prod. offered a recording deal. The band went to studio in the beginning of 2005 to record 4 songs for the 12" Mlp/ep titled "The Occult Sessions". It was released in summer 2005.