Newcastle upon Tyne Heavy Metal band FIST were signed to Neat Records mere weeks after their formation under the original handle of AXE in 1980 and subsequently found themselves on major label MCA Records following an inter-label deal. In addition to a crop of singles and albums FIST also contributed a track to the Neat Records compilation 'Lead Weight' (Neat C100) and the band supported UFO on their British January 1981 tour.

In 1982 Keith Satchfield and John Wylie left as FIST re-signed to Neat Records after the flirtation with MCA. Vocalist Glenn Coates, who had previously been a member of HOLLOW GROUND, was later ousted in favour of ex-THRUST man Jon Appleby and second guitarist John Paul Roach of MYTHRA was also added. Further changes ensued when Roach was sacked in favour of a slimmed down four piece line-up.

Dave Irwin subsequently deputized for Mantas on VENOM's 1985 American tour when the guitarist fell ill.

After a lengthy hiatus FIST regrouped during 2002. Joining original members Harry Hill and Keith Satchfield would be erstwhile HOLLOW GROUND guitarist Martin Metcalfe and DEATHWISH bass player Big Al. FIST got back to touring across the UK and issued a four track EP comprising remixed versions of 'The Vamp', 'Axeman', 'Terminus' and naturally 'Name Rank And Serial Number'. A new album, entitled 'The Storm', emerged on Demolition Records in 2004. FIST was subsequently joined by ex-HOLLOW GROUND bassist Brian Rickman.