An incredibly prolific guitarist hailing from Cincinnati, DAVID T. CHASTAIN was regularly releasing albums with two band projects C.J.S.S. and CHASTAIN as well as the odd solo album in the late 80s. Chastain played in mostly original Hard Rock bands during his career, including a Progressive Rock mob called TARGET, Atlanta born Chastain, who claimed never to have had a guitar lesson in his life, joined a commercial venture known as SPIKE. This led to the recording of an album entitled 'The Price Of Pleasure' plus three 45s and a couple of appearances on local radio station promo albums. SPIKE made quite a name for themselves on the local circuit supporting the likes of BLUE ÖYSTER CULT, HELIX and KROKUS. SPIKE switched vocalists and becoming C.J.S.S.. Interestingly, two tracks - 'The Gates Of Eternity' and 'Living In Exile', that were originally SPIKE songs appear on C.J.S.S.' debut.

Mike Varney of Shrapnel Records picked up on Chastain after the guitarist had sent some of his material to Varney in the hope of a mention in his popular column in 'Guitar Player' magazine. Varney wasn't impressed with SPIKE but liked the material Chastain was working on as a side project and decided to sign the guitarist to Shrapnel and form a band. Chastain and SPIKE / C.J.S.S. bassist Mike Skimmerhorn found themselves working with erstwhile RUDE GIRL vocalist Leather Leone.

The drummer on the debut CHASTAIN album 'Mystery Of Illusion' released in 1985 was Fred Coury, who left to deputise for an injured Randy Castillo in OZZY OSBOURNE's band then went on to make his name with CINDERELLA. The CHASTAIN drumstool was taken over by former FIFTH ANGEL / TKO man Ken Mary for the 'Ruler Of The Wasteland' album.

The original CHASTAIN did, with Les Sharp as drummer, play seven or eight shows together. Two of these being showcase events for major labels - including EMI's Manhatten subsidiary.

Leather's old band RUDE GIRL released a two track 12" under the new name of MALIBU BARBI in 1987 featuring Leather on vocals.

1997's comeback release 'In Dementia' featured the fine vocal talents of Kate French, with the CHASTAIN line-up completed by former DAMIEN bassist Kevin Kekes and ex-TROUBLE and STYGIAN drummer Dennis Lesh.

CHASTAIN was put on temporary hold during 1998 due to Kate French's pregnancy. Chastain himself busied himself with yet another band project SAINT SAVAGE, subsequently to evolve into ZANISTER, in the interim.

By 2001 CHASTAIN was back on track with Chastain and French joined by a fresh rhythm section of bassist Dave Starr and drummer Larry Howe, both previously with VICIOUS RUMORS. The high profile Swedish Metal band HAMMERFALL would lend CHASTAIN added exposure by covering 'Angel Of Mercy' on their 2002 album. Kate French donated her vocal talents to VAINGLORY during mid 2005.