 Zorn formed Simple Existenz.In 2002, when asked about the band's influences, Alexander von Meilenwald once replied that comparisons with diverse Scandinavian bands could "(unfortunately) not be denied", but that he could not tell what bands influence him when writing songs, or if any do, and another time mentioned the early releases of Burzum, Darkthrone, Emperor, Marduk and Immortal.In a 2009 interview, he mentioned the early Scandinavian pioneers as an undeniable influence in the beginning.