Guitarists Chris DeGarmo and Michael Wilton formed Queensryche in 1981 in the Seattle, WA, suburb of Bellevue. Both guitarists had been playing in heavy metal cover bands and had decided to forma group that would play original material. The duo recruited high-school friends Geoff Tate(vocals) and bassist Eddie Jackson (bass), as well as drummer Scott Rockenfield. Instead of hitting the club circuit, the group rehearsed for two years, eventually recording and releasing a four-song demo tape. The cassette came to the attention of local record store owners Kim and Diana Harris, who offered to manage Queensryche. With the help of the Harrises, the tape circulated throughout the Northwest.