Sentinel Beast was formed in Sacramento, Ca in 1984 by Debbie Gunn (vocals), Mike Spencer (bass), and Scott Awes (drums). During this time, the axes were played by Greg Williams and Jerry Fraiser, later to be replaced by Barry Fischel and Mark Koyasako. Discovered by Kerry King of Slayer, the band recorded and released the influential Depths of Death album, on Metal Blade Records, in 1986. Beast opened up for the likes of Slayer, Exodus, Megadeth, Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, and others.