California Metal, the first of five compilation albums released by Regency Records in the late eighties, was designed primarily to showcase the talents of the numerous unsigned Christian metal bands that had arrived on the scene following the success of Stryper.

What makes California Metal such a noteworthy release, nevertheless, is the fact it introduced several bands that in time would become household names in the growing Christian rock, hard rock and metal music communities: "Gardian" (soon to correctly rename itself as "Guardian"), Deliverance and Neon Cross.

Other artists participating on the project include Barren Cross (who debuted the previous year with its Star Song release "Rock For The King") and Mastedon which is the studio project of former Kansas vocalist John Elefante and his brother Dino.

After its demo "Rock In Victory" song from the Rock In Victory EP (1984)[5] led to the band signing with Enigma Records, Guardian finalized its line up with the addition of guitarist Tony Palacios and was only waiting for the schedule of producer Oz Fox (Stryper) to open up before recording its full-length debut First Watch (1989).

While Hero was the only band participating on the project not to eventually sign with a label and record a full-length album, a lack of talent does not hold the band back in that it features former Holy Soldier front man Robbie Braunz.