The story of two Slayers, one from San Antonio and the other from Los Angeles, is a fascinating tale of metal music, rivalry, and unexpected camaraderie. The San Antonio Slayer, formed in 1981 by Don Van Stavern and Dave McClain, was a local favorite in Texas, playing backyard parties and community colleges. They released their first EP, 'Prepare to Die', in 1983, which caught the attention of the LA Slayer, who had been recording for a year. The LA Slayer, with their growing underground buzz, was about to release their debut album, 'Show No Mercy', on Metal Blade Records. This led to a tense back-and-forth between the bands, with rumors of a cease-and-desist letter and a battle for the Slayer name. However, it was all a misunderstanding, as no such letter was sent, and the bands were simply trying to establish their legitimacy.
The San Antonio Slayer, despite their potential, faced a setback when three of its members, including Van Stavern and McClain, joined a new band called Narita, led by Mark Reale of Riot. This led to the shelving of their debut album, 'Go For The Throat', which was eventually released in 1988, credited to S.A. Slayer. The LA Slayer, on the other hand, was gaining traction and had a growing fan base. The two bands eventually shared the stage at the Villa Fontana theatre in San Antonio, with the LA Slayer as the headliners and the San Antonio Slayer as special guests.
The gig, sold out and filled with enthusiastic fans, showcased the talent of both bands. The LA Slayer, with their power metal style, and the San Antonio Slayer, with their thrash metal, delivered impressive performances. Despite the initial tension, the bands shared a dressing room and hung out backstage, and the rivalry never materialized. In fact, the San Antonio Slayer helped the LA Slayer with their equipment and even shared a dressing room.
The story of the two Slayers is a testament to the power of music and the unexpected connections that can form. The LA Slayer, despite their success, never forgot their roots, and the San Antonio Slayer, despite their setback, continued to play and record music. The bands' shared history and the 'Battle of the Bands' angle have become a part of metal music's lore, with the LA Slayer even wearing a T-shirt featuring the original flyer at a show in San Antonio in 2018. The story is a reminder that in the world of music, sometimes the most unexpected collaborations can lead to the most memorable performances.
