GRIFFIN came together in San Rafael, California when ex-METAL CHURCH drummer Rick Wagner joined forces with vocalist William Rodrick 'Billy' McKay and guitarist Rick Cooper in 1980. After their first demo in 1982 the band quickly progressed into one brought up on a staple diet of British Heavy Metal and, at one time, featured guitarist Henry Hewitt, formerly 'U.S. Metal' compilation participants EXXE.

The band's ten song deep second demo initially proved difficult to obtain directly from the band, GRIFFIN oddly reluctant to let potential fans in on the fun, but soon emerged on the thriving tape trading circuit. During 1983 GRIFFIN relocated to San Francisco's Bay Area supplementing their line up with guitarist Mike 'Yaz' Jastremski and bassist Thomas Sprayberry.

The material was quick to impress Shrapnel head Mike Varney who signed the group with 'Flight Of The Griffin' arriving in 1984. The album was a powerful statement of intent and second album 'Protectors Of The Lair' followed suit although minus Jastreemski and Sprayberry as GRIFFIN trimmed down to a trio.