The idea of Terranaut was formulated deep within a great forest preserve in Chicago around late 2007. Nieko, the band founder, conjured the idea of establishing a Black Metal band writing half a dozen songs and partnering with Keith, a close friend, on the songwriting and to recruit new members. The band' adopted the name of Terranaut in 2008. The name Terranaut became a fitting representation of the Earth-oriented and archaic motifs found in the lyrics and art of the band.