Formed in 1988 by vocalist/guitarist Porl King and bassist Karl North in Liverpool, goth rock band Rosetta Stone sought to break away from the Brit-pop scene. Despite initial production plans with Wayne Hussey of the Mission falling through, the band released their self-titled debut in 1990. Drawing from influences like Sisters of Mercy and Bauhaus, Rosetta Stone navigated the goth rock/darkwave movement of the '90s, releasing albums like Adrenaline (1993) and Tyranny of Inaction (1995) before disbanding after 2000's Unerotica covers album. A resurgence in the late 2010s saw the band return with albums Seems Like Forever and Cryptology.

Throughout the '90s, Rosetta Stone's brooding vocals and synth-driven sound helped carry the gothic torch into mainstream rock, alongside bands like Nine Inch Nails and the Cult. With releases like Foundation Stones, Epitome EP, and Chemical Emissions, the band solidified their presence in Cleopatra's roster. Their music, reminiscent of the Cure, showcased a unique sonic seascape that set them apart in the alternative music scene, culminating in a resurgence decades later with new material that continued their legacy.