Accolada was founded under another name in the end of 1998 in Tallinn by bassplayer Vadim Borisõts, drummer Vasja Naidenov (both from post punk band "Gadskii Papa"), guitarist Vitali Solovjov (from "Ferrum") and veteran guitar hero Lenya Starikov. They played some kind of mix of blues and grunge and appeared on one gig. After that band collapsed for some time.
Later it was reformed with different lineup and their first big appearance was on festival of alternative music "Hell Gates 999" in 1999, what took place in deserted cellulose factory.