California Metal, the first of five compilation albums released by Regency Records in the late eighties, was designed primarily to showcase the talents of the numerous unsigned Christian metal bands that had arrived on the scene following the success of Stryper. As its title implies, all of the artists participating on the project come from the state in question and bring a variety of styles ranging from classic metal, melodic metal, speed metal and commercial hard rock. What makes California Metal such a noteworthy release, nevertheless, is the fact it introduced several bands that in time would become household names in the growing Christian hard music community: Gardian (soon to correctly change its name to Guardian), Deliverance and Neon Cross. Other artists participating on the project include Barren Cross, who debuted the previous year with its Star Song release Rock For The King, and Mastedon, the studio project of former Kansas vocalist John Elefante and his brother Dino. Hero was the only band appearing on the album not to go on and make a name for itself.

At the time of California Metal Gardian was still in its "space metal warriors" era. (The albums packaging includes a photo of the band decked out in full body armor.) After its demo Rock In Victory led to the band signing with Enigma Records, Gardian finalized its line up with the addition of guitarist Tony Palacios and was only waiting for the schedule of producer Oz Fox (Stryper) to open up before recording its full length debut First Watch.

While Hero was the only band participating on the project not to eventually sign with a label and record a full length album, a lack of talent does not hold the band back in that it features former Holy Soldier front man Robbie Braunz.

When the albums production team of John and Dino Elefante ended up one track short, they decided to add a song written for Kansas in "Wasn't It Love" (originally entitled "What About Love") under the name Mastedon. Regency later requested a full length album which became Mastedon's debut It's A Jungle Out There.

Track listing

1. Barren Cross
   Barren Cross
   Barren Cross is a Christian metal band that was formed in Los Angeles, California in 1983 by highschool friends Ray Parris and Steve Whitaker . The band released six albums from 1986 to 1994...
   
    - "Deadlock" (4:13)
2. Guardian
   Guardian (band)
   Guardian is an American Christian hard rock/metal band. The band released six studio albums, three additional albums in Spanish—and toured extensively worldwide...
   
    - "Marching On" (3:38)
3. Neon Cross
   Neon Cross
   Neon Cross is a Christian rock and Heavy Metal band that was formed in California in 1983. Neon Cross started playing clubs in Hollywood during the 80's and attracted the attention of record company Regency Records in 1987 and was asked to record two songs for their upcoming compilation album...
   
    - "I Need Your Love" (3:06)
4. Hero - "I Surrender" (3:47)
5. Deliverance - "A Space Called You" (3:51)
6. Mastedon
   Mastedon
   Mastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
   
    - "Wasn't It Love" (4:42)
   by John
   John Elefante
   John Elefante is an American singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer.-Early years:Born in Levittown, New York, his family soon moved to Long Beach, California. Growing up, he sang and performed drums for his family band, the Brotherhood...
   
    & Dino Elefante
   not available elsewhere
7. Guardian
   Guardian (band)
   Guardian is an American Christian hard rock/metal band. The band released six studio albums, three additional albums in Spanish—and toured extensively worldwide...
   
    - "Spiritual Warfare" (4:13)
8. Deliverance - "Attack" (3:44)
9. Hero - "Sing It Out" (3:02)
10. Neon Cross - "Son of God" (4:16)