Altar of Plagues were an Irish black metal band, founded in Cork by James Kelly. After gaining attention in the metal community with a series of self recorded demos and EPs, the band released their first studio album, White Tomb, in April 2009 on Profound Lore Records. Following a year of gigging and some changes to the lineup, the group announced their signing with Candlelight Records in January 2010. They released their second album Mammal in 2011, with US/Can and ROW editions featuring alternate artworks. The album was followed by subsequent touring, including a European headline tour and festival appearances.