Originally performing in a blues band known as the Loop, Killing Floor founder Mick Clarke (lead guitar) and Bill Thorndycraft (vocals ,harmonica) formed the band in 1968 in London, England, after glaceing an advertisement in Melody Maker. From this they recruited Lou Martin (piano), Stuart McDonald (bass guitar) and Bazz Smith (drums). After undertaking their maiden gig, former Wonderful Radio London DJ, and agent John Edward.offered to manage the fledgling outfit. Edward led them to signing a contract with Spark Records and in 1968, their self titled debut album was recorded in less than two weeks at the Pye recording studios. Edwards was listed as the records producer., although he had no previous experience in that field. The majority of the tracks were re-workings of older Chicago blues material, although the only true cover version therin was of Willie Dixon's "You Need Love." Allmusic described the set as a "Less reverent, and altogether heavier update of the Yardbirds rave-up sound." In the United States, the album was released on the Sire label.
Following the release of Killing Floor and a couple of BBC1 sessions, Lou Martin left the band, and they continued for a while as a four piece. In March 1970, the band played at the Easter Festival in Hamburg, Germany. In 1970 and 1971, further lineup changes took place which included the former Juicy Lucy vocalist Ray Owen, drummer Rod De'Ath, and bassist Mick Hawsworth joining the band. The latter had previously been in Andromeda., and latter went on to join Fuzzy Duck.
In 1970, the band's second album, Out Of Uranus was released on Penny Farthing Records. Although Edward retained record producer credits. Larry Page oversaw the recording sessions as executive producer. Allmusic commented that Out Of Uranus is rawer and most irreverent than most second-line British blues rock of the late 60's and early 70's, as indicated by the title itself. A single from Out Of Uranus "Call for the Politicians" received airplay on BBC Radio 1, and also sold well in Germany. However , by mid-1972, the group had decided to disband.
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