The Wretched End was formed in 2008 as creative collaboration between Samoth (Emperor/Zyklon) and Cosmo (Mindgrinder). Samoth and Cosmo have previously worked together on the infamous deathpunk project Scum. Cosmo has also played with Zyklon on bass when Zyklon toured Europe as special guest for Morbid Angel in 2001. The two have long spoken about collaborating on an extreme metal project. Most of the material for the debut album was composed throughout 2008, and by spring 2009 a full pre-production consisting of 11 tracks was recorded.

In the summer of 2009, Swede Nils Fjellström (Dark Funeral, In Battle, Aeon) was confirmed as the drummer. The drums were successfully recorded in Strand Studio, Oslo, September 2009. The album recording continued through the end of 2009 and was completed in the first half of 2010. The recording line-up consists of Samoth on lead and rhythm guitar, Cosmo on lead and rhythm guitar, bass and vocals and Nils Fjellström on drums.

The debut album, entitled as "Ominous", was released through Samoth's own imprint label, Nocturnal Art Productions and marketed and distributed worldwide by Candlelight Records.
Musically The Wretched End ranges from old-school to a more modern Death/Thrash Metal sound.