The story of the San Antonio Slayer and the LA Slayer, two bands with the same name, is a fascinating tale of metal music, rivalry, and unexpected collaboration. In 1984, the San Antonio Slayer, a local band from Texas, found themselves in a unique situation when they learned of another band called Slayer, located 1300 miles away in California. The LA Slayer had already released their debut album, Show No Mercy, and were gaining traction in the metal scene. The San Antonio Slayer, consisting of Don Van Stavern, Dave McClain, Bob Catlin, Art Villarreal, and Steve Cooper, had been active since 1981 and had released their own EP, Prepare To Die, in 1983. Despite their efforts, they were overshadowed by the LA Slayer's better distribution and label, Metal Blade. However, the story takes an unexpected turn when the two bands are booked to play the same venue, the Villa Fontana, in San Antonio. The LA Slayer, led by Tom Araya and Dave Lombardo, arrived with their equipment in a trailer, and the two bands shared a dressing room backstage. The gig, which sold out, featured the San Antonio Slayer as the main act, followed by the LA Slayer. The show was a spectacle of thrash and power metal, with both bands delivering energetic performances. The rivalry between the bands was quickly dispelled as they shared a friendly and collaborative atmosphere. The San Antonio Slayer's album, Go For The Throat, was eventually released in 1988, credited to S.A. Slayer, and became a cult favorite among underground metal enthusiasts. The LA Slayer, on the other hand, went on to achieve great success and is still a prominent force in the metal scene. The story highlights the challenges of band names and the unexpected connections that can arise in the music industry. It also showcases the enduring legacy of the San Antonio Slayer, who, despite being overshadowed, left their mark on the metal scene and continue to be remembered by fans.
