A 2004 formation, THE DENIAL featured two figures known for their tenures with major name outfits in ex-JUDAS PRIEST frontman AL ATKINS and former IRON MAIDEN and PRAYING MANTIS guitarist Dennis Stratton. As a solo artist, Atkins had issued four albums of his own but would endeavour to form up a band unit. Rumours abounded in 2000 that the next release would be under the band title of STEELFORCE or ATKINS / HOLLAND. Although work was undertaken on this project later word had it that Al was in fact working with ex-DEF LEPPARD guitarist Pete Willis. In 2002 Al participated in a nostalgic LION reformation for the Birmingham 'Fill Your Head With Rock' benefit show.

In March of 2004 the singer was scheduled to form up part of a one off 'N.W.O.B.H.M. ALL STARS' band alongside ex-TYGERS OF PAN TANG singer JESS COX and erstwhile IRON MAIDEN guitarist Dennis Stratton for a performance at the New Jersey 'Metal Meltdown' festival. Joining these guests in Atkins' band would be South African guitarist Mike de Jager, longstanding bassist Pete Emms, ex-A.N.D. and active with his own outfit THE VASELINE RATS, and drummer Adrian Badland. Subsequently Atkins and Stratton forged a new band unit dubbed THE DENIAL.

In June Al Atkins revealed he was penning his biography 'Dawn Of The Metal Gods'. He would also be laying down new material 'Blood, Demons And Whiskey' with DIAMOND HEAD guitarist Brian Tatler. Unfortunately one of THE DENIAL's first gigs would end in tragedy as Dennis Stratton suffered a serious injury when a speaker unit fell on top of him, hurting his shoulder and crushing his fingers. The damage was so serious it would be initially doubted if he could play guitar again. Brian Tatler duly filled in for future gigs.

Al Atkins announced in May of 2005 that he was disbanding THE DENIAL. Guitarist Mike De Jager hooked up with DANTE FOX.