Holocaust, a Scottish hard rock/heavy metal band, was formed in 1979 by lead guitarist John Mortimer and bassist Gary Robertson. After having local success in Scotland and England, they eventually signed to major label Chrysalis Records in 1981. Holocaust's debut album was released in 1981 to widespread critical acclaim, with the album's classic trio of groove-laden cuts serving as influential examples of the new wave of British heavy metal. Their second album was highly acclaimed as well and catapulted them to international success. They went on to release five more albums, all of which were highly successful and established Holocaust as a major heavy metal act worldwide. They disbanded in 1990 and, while some of them continued their musical careers in other bands, Holocaust will always be remembered as one of the first innovators of the NWOBHM movement.