The Legend that is ABATTOIR originally surfaced in Los Angeles, California in the early 80's; ABATTOIR's sound was maturing from performing covers to writing original material as band leader Mel Sanchez became highly influenced by the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (N.W.O.B.H.M); a firm decision was made to forge ahead as a full blown Heavy Metal band. The 5-piece group etched their mark on the developing Los Angeles metal circuit alongside bands like W.AS.P., MALICE, BITCH, and SLAYER with a classic two-track demo in 1983 recorded and engineered by Bill Metoyer at Track Studios with an inaugural line up of vocalist Raul Preston, guitarists Mark Caro and Juan Garcia, bassist Mel Sanchez and drummer Ron Gonzales. The band generated a strong following by constantly performing live at the Troubadour in Hollywood and even traveled North to San Francisco to support the newly formed MEGADETH on a bill that also included TROUBLE. After receiving lots of airplay on KMET's Friday night radio show "The Mighty Metal Hour" the band started to generate a buzz within the music industry, but by ABATTOIR's studio session for the track 'Screams From The Grave' included on Brian Slagel's illustrious 'Metal Massacre IV' compilation Preston was ousted in favor of new frontman John Cyriis; who made the switch from guitarist in SCEPTRE to the new ABATTOIR vocalist. This valuable exposure led to support slots to W.A.S.P. and METALLICA at the Country Club in Reseda, California.
Both Cyriis and Garcia left ABATTOIR in 1984 to form AGENT STEEL and release 'Skeptics Apocalypse' in 1985. Danny Annaya was brought in as the new drummer replacing Robert Wayne; the band was brought up to strength with the addition of vocalist Steve Gaines and guitarist Danny Oliverio. ABATTOIR's debut album "VICIOUS ATTACK' was released on Combat Records in the United States and Roadrunner in Europe, featured a crushing version of the MOTÖRHEAD classic 'Ace Of Spades' rumours have it that when Lemmy heard the ABATTOIR version he wanted to recruit guitar virtuoso Mark Caro for MOTORHEAD!
Steve Gaines departed to form BLOODLUST; his replacement was ex-HERETIC singer Mike Towers who appears on the slightly tamer 'THE ONLY SAFE PLACE' album; which was released on Noise Records in Europe and Combat Records in America. Mel Sanchez departed shortly after in 1987 to form EVILDEAD with Juan Garcia and drummer Rob Alaniz; they released the epic "Annihilation of Civilization" on SPV/Steamhammer Records.
Eventually scuttled by continuous line up hassles ABATTOIR finally split. However, more than a decade later the band came out of retirement debuting with cover versions for tribute albums. ABATTOIR lent their touch to Dwell Records IRON MAIDEN tribute 'Call To Irons', W.A.S.P.'s 'School Daze' and SAXON's 'Motorcycle Man'. With interest resurging in mainland Europe German label Century Media re-released both albums as ABATTOIR, now comprising of Gaines, Sanchez, Caro and drummer Kevin McShane prepared for a full blown return. ABATTOIR would bounce back in October of 2001 with the live album 'No Sleep 'Til Kalamazoo'. Not only did the band give a nod to MOTÖRHEAD's infamous live album but confirmed their appreciation with a cover version of 'Ace Of Spades'. The album, a strict limited edition, was made only available through their website.
ABATTOIR were busying themselves with recording of a fresh studio album provisionally entitled 'Evil Incarnate' during the latter half of 2001; the project was put on hold due to recording difficulties and later unleashed as a limited release re-titled: "From the Ashes". Mid 2002 found frontman Steve Gaines in league with DARK ANGEL and DREAMS OF DAMNATION guitarist Jim Durkin in the project band PAGAN WAR MACHINE. Steve Gaines signalled his intention to issue a solo album, billed 'Anger As Art', in August of 2004; ANGER AS ART concept flourished into a band with releases on Old School Metal Records.
To the present; ABATTOIR has once again regrouped and is confirmed to make their European live debut at the upcoming KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL XII to take place in Germany on April 24-25, 2009 on a bill that also includes L.A's own ARMORED SAINT, LIZZY BORDEN, and many others well known metal acts. The band is also planning additional selective European live dates...Metalheads raise your fists in the air and get ready to bang-thrash-mosh-in the spirit of True Heavy Metal!
Biography edited by Abattoir_Official; originally written by Garry Sharpe-Young
Abattoir official myspace page's Friend Space (Top 28)
£leTriKa sounds completely different from any Metal band you have ever heard. The Brazilian rhythms and the Portuguese language added to the songs makes its style unique, giving birth to a new kind of Metal. If you are really looking for something new about Metal, you should check £leTriKa out!
Hugs from Brazil, Claudio David
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[BrazilianM£TAL]
Valeu demais a força! Quando rolaumtempinho, me fala o que achou da £leTriKa. Agente junta Metal com umasparada Brasileira. Tamutendumbom feed nas rádios gringas nos quatrocontos. Mantenha contato, blz?
Hey guys - we had a blast hanging with you at Black Castle. You guys totally killed it with your new guitarist. And thanks for the shout out! Lets do it again soon. Stay in touch.
Are YOu ready for Meldrum action ? We are Rocking the FUCK ON in Michelle's honor! Meldrum plays the Whisky Sept. 15 - Spread the word! September 12 – UB’s, Mesa, AZ September 15 – Whisky A Go Go*, Hollywood, CA See YOu in the Pit! <3's- Meldrum
BANDS, LABELS,ETC SEND TO US PROMO MATERIAL FOR REVIEW BY MAIL(NO F......G DOWNLOAD,WE ARE OLD SCHOOL!) STRYKE VIRTUAL METAL MAGAZINE & PROMOTION www.strikemet.com www.myspace.com/strikemg EDUARDO DE SOUZA BONADIA RUA EPAMINONDAS NEVES 157 JARDIM ASTRO SOROCABA/SP CEP 18017-153 BRASIL E-MAIL: strikemag@ig.com.br
Hey dudes, thrashy rock and metal greetings from Frankfurt/Main, Germany, to Los Angeles in always sunny California. Keep On Rockin' - Welcome Back And Welcome To The World Of Courageous!
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