Abattoir

Founded in 1982 Abattoir soon became one of the most remarkable early speed metal bands. Consisting of Mal Sanchez (b), Mark Caro (g), Rawl Preston (v), Juan Garcia (g) and Robert Wayne (d) they startet to play first gigs the same year. Typical line up changes happened the the early days which lead John Cyriis (John Syriis at the time) (v ; later Agent Steel) into the band. This line up produced a 2 track demo Tape, but soon after releasing the song "Screams From The Grave" on Metal Blade's "Metal Massacre 4" sampler the band already fell apart for a short period of time.

John and Juan went on to form Agent Steel while Mark and Mel reformed Abattoir in late 1984. The band got signed by Combat records in the united states and released their debut album "Vicious Attack" in 1985. At this time Steve Gaines (v; Bloodlust (USA)), Danny Oliverio (g) and drummer Danny Amaya filled the gaps in Abattoir's line up. Soon after the release of their debut Steve Gaines was replaced by Mike Towers {(\link Heretic}). Gaines tried to form his own project called Tactics and later on rejoined is first band Bloodlust (USA).While "Vicious Attack" was an almost thrash metal oriented album his follow up "The Only Safe Place", released in 1986, showed the band from a more melodic side best described as speed metal on the border to power metal.