In 1997, Autumn finished recording a noteworthy debut album, The Hating Tree. It was followed two years later by a sophomore release, Return to the Breath. Both albums were recorded under the Tess Records label. Some of the tracks fans can sample from these first offerings are "How It Came to Be This Way," "Dakota Odowan," "The End of the Line," "Desert Winds of Jezebel," and "A Waiting Time." During the band's first couple of years together, Autumn managed to grow a large fan base. The group also gained exposure by appearing with many other artists like Sunshine Blind, Lycia, Ascension, Switch Blade, and the Wake. ~ Charlotte Dillon, All Music Guide