Gloucester based Melodic Rockers CRYWOLF were fronted by Mark Grimmett, the younger brother of GRIM REAPER and LIONSHEART vocalist Steve Grimmett. Guitarist Chris Gyngell was previously with CHASER. The band was rooted in the prior formation BLACK DOG, this act being founded in 1980 and comprising lead vocalist Alan Clarke, the guitar pairing of Nick Singleton and Paul Robinson, bass player Jamie Laird with Mark Grimmett on the drums. In 1985 Singleton, Laid and Grimmett founded a new venture entitled RAIDER, this outfit seeing Martyn Arnold taking on vocal duties. Pre CRYWOLF guitarist Chris Gyngell was previously with CHASER whilst drummer Jon Clayton was a member of SOLDIER OF FORTUNE.

CRYWOLF, issuing the 12" single '12 O'Clock (And All Is Hell)' in 1986, soon built up a sizable local following and created a national buzz, recording a Radio One session for Tommy Vance's 'Friday Rock Show', which would be broadcast twice during 1988. The band also had their track 'A Crying Shame' included on a New Renaissance compilation album in the USA. However, the band folded in 1989.

Guitarist Nick Singleton was to join Glam Rockers TATTOOED LOVE BOYS for their 1992 album. Mark Grimmett and Chris Gyngell founded EMPIRE, reuniting with ex-RAIDER man Martyn Arnold, now on keyboards, and also incorporating guitarist Rich Yeates, bassist Julian Hill and drummer Paul Cooke. Subsequently both Singleton and Gyngell founded the FIREBYRDS in union with erstwhile RED DOGS guitarist Paul Guerin, WRAITH bassist Steven 'Rimmo' Rimmington and TATTOOED LOVE BOYS drummer Mick Ransome. Drummer Jon Clayton was to be found in the 2000 band BRUTAL DELUXE.