Christian rockers Whitecross formed in Chicago in 1986, releasing their self-titled debut LP a year later. Regular lineup changes plagued the group virtually from its inception, but the duo of vocalist Scott Wenzel and guitarist Rex Carroll remained constants throughout. A 1988 tour in support of CCM fan favorite Steve Taylor greatly expanded Whitecross' fanbase, and they soon issued their second album, Hammer and Nail. Tours of Europe and South America followed behind the band's third record, the Dove Award-winning Triumphant Return; 1991's In the Kingdom copped Dove honors as well. In the wake of 1992's High Gear, Whitecross finally took a break from their relentless touring schedule, not resurfacing with Unveiled until two years later; Equilibrium appeared in 1995, but after 1996's Flytrap the band went on hiatus.