Winterhawk

First formed in 1977 by Macarus, vocalist/bassist Doug Brown, rhythm guitarist Dan Searight, and drummer Steve Tsoukatos, Winterhawk gradually built a healthy regional following thanks to frequent live performances in places as prestigious as the 5,000-seat Aragon Ballroom, while opening for the likes of Steppenwolf, Budgie, and Black Oak Arkansas. But subsequent lineup difficulties wound up slowing the band's momentum, and after working for a spell as a trio with no recording contract in sight, Winterhawk was put on ice at the start of the 1980s, when Macarus decided to go to college.

But restlessness soon got the best of him, and after getting back in touch with Brown and finding drummer Scott Benes, the newly revived Winterhawk recorded their debut album -- titled, what else but Revival -- in December of 1981, releasing it themselves the following year. Needless to say, this achieved only moderate exposure with no real label to promote it, but at least it satisfied the needs of the band's small loyal following and went on to become a favorite among hard rock collectors.