In 1975 Michael Amerlan entered the Conservatoire Nationale de Musique de Nice, France to study pipe organ. On returning to the US he began experimenting with early synthesizers and began composing and recording of his own music.

His composition began in earnest in 1978 with a series of original electronic recordings that were later released on his 1985 debut album Ascendences.

Following the release of Ascendences, Amerlan began research at a northern California Cistercian monastery for what would become a mystical liturgy based upon the Song of Songs entitled, The Divine Wedding.