Formulated during early 2006, the JUDAS PRIEST tribute band JUDAS BEAST was fronted up by Glenn S. Howes ('The Sinner'), previously known for his role as a guitarist with NWOBHM bands AXISS, BLITZKRIEG, TYGERS OF PAN TANG and AVENGER plus EARTHROD and Doom outfit THE REIGN. Other band members included guitarists Mark Unsworth and Barry Arkle ('Tlen Gipton') plus bassist Bill Baxter. Drummer Gary Unsworth is from IRON MAIDEN tribute band MAIDEN ENGLAND and UFO homage outfit ARMED AND READY.

Howes apparently only lasted for one gig. JUDAS BEAST evolved to only include Arkle and Baxter from the original band, the duo being joined by singer Martin McManus ('Steeler'), BLITZKRIEG and GHETTO MESSIAH guitarist Guy Laverick ('KK Drowning') and drummer Kevin Alderson ('Travis').