Formed in 1983, Allied Forces were a Dutch hard rock quintet from the province of Brabant, and featured Ronnie Gershwin (vocals), Marc Gershwin (guitar), Harold Cucken (guitar), Steven Highwood (bass) and Pete Van de Sluice (drums). They built up a solid reputation touring the European circuit as support for Anvil and TNT. Following a series of delays, The Day After was eventually released in 1987 on the German Flametrader label, produced by ex-Vandenberg bass player Dick Kemper. They acknowledged a variety of influences, including Golden Earring, Scorpions and Europe, but managed to maintain their own originality. Highwood and Cucken quit in 1988, with Ferry Schmuter stepping in to take over on bass.