Essence Of Pain is the third demo by the Finnish Dark Metal band Shade Empire. Despite having rather good success, only after releasing three demos, the band was signed by Avantgarde Music. This album was heavily promoted by the band, who sent out promo packs, complete with videos, biography, pictures, and the two previous demos. After two months, they received an offer from Avantgarde Music. They signed a deal with them on September 13, 2002.