[1] Varney is often credited with popularizing the mid-1980s shred guitar boom,[2] and has continuously specialized in producing musicians within the genres of instrumental rock, hard rock, jazz, jazz fusion, blues, blues-rock, progressive metal, and speed metal.
The Nuns were one of the most successful bands in the Bay Area at that time, regularly selling out at the local venues and clubs.
[3] Varney also led his band, Cinema, which received wide recognition in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Shrapnel Records was the first label to bring world attention to guitarists such as Yngwie Malmsteen (Steeler), Marty Friedman, Jason Becker, Paul Gilbert, Racer X, Tony MacAlpine, Vinnie Moore, Greg Howe, Richie Kotzen, John5, and many others.
The label's records include performances by Frank Gambale, Eric Johnson, Warren Haynes, Steve Morse, Victor Wooten and Mike Stern.