China

Formed in 1985, the original line-up consisted of singer Math Shiverow, guitarists Claudio Matteo (ex-Bloody Six) and Freddy Laurence, bassist Marc Lynn and drummer John Dommen. By 1988, China had signed a recording contract with the German branch of Phonogram Records, resulting in the band's self-titled debut album which reached number 6 on the Swiss album chart. Their 1989 second effort, Sign In The Sky, saw some line-up changes as former Crown singer/guitarist Patrick Mason, also briefly with Krokus and Fast Forward, was recruited as the new lead singer and Brian Kofmehl took over bass duties for Lynn, who resurfaced with Gotthard a few years later.