The band began in 1985 as a solo project for ex-TYRUS guitarist Peter Hobbs, with the help of ex-Nothing Sacred members Mark Woolley (guitar), Sham (drums) and Karl Lean (bass), who recorded a number of demos which attracted interest from overseas labels. Hobbs' debut album, Hobbs Angel Of Death, was released in 1988 through German record label Steamhammer Records, and achieved a great deal of success in Europe.