S.A.SLAYER, originally known simply as
SLAYER, was an American
heavy metal band formed in
San Antonio, Texas in 1981 by the former
Blitzkrieg guitar duo Robert "Bob Dog" Catlin and Art Villareal, bassist Don Van Stavern, drummer
Dave McClain, and vocalist Chris Cronk (
Fates Warning,
Jag Panzer, Karion, Talisphere, Target 7). The latter was soon replaced by Steve Cooper and the band signed a record deal with local upstart label Rainforest Records and proceeded to record six songs for a proposed EP at B.O.S.S. Studios with producer/engineer duo Bob O'Neill and Rick Shrieves. The
Prepare to Die EP was released in 1983 to excellent reviews, and "Slayer", as they were known at the time became one of the top metal draws of the Texas scene.