Written by:	Blackcrowe
Published:	November 19, 2024

Slayer vs. Slayer: 1,000 MPH or Death

Forty years ago, on November 30, 1984, metal history was made at The Villa Fontana in San Antonio, Texas, during the legendary “Slayer vs. Slayer” concert. Without the reach of the internet or social media, this early thrash metal event spread primarily through magazines, local radio, and passionate fans, some of whom recounted these events for me, marking a pivotal moment in metal history. Over time, its importance has grown, and recordings from that night have become legendary among fans. A flyer created by a fan of the Texan S.A. Slayer captured the event’s intensity with the bold slogan: “1000 Mph or Death!”




The Los Angeles Slayer, formed in 1981, was on the rise with their aggressive thrash sound. Their lineup, featuring Tom Araya’s vocals and bass, Jeff Hanneman's and Kerry King’s guitars, and Dave Lombardo’s drumming, established them as serious players in metal. They had signed with a major label, Metal Blade Records, and released their debut album, Show No Mercy, in 1983, becoming one of the pioneers of thrash; in 1984, they were touring across the U.S. on their Haunting The Chapel EP.




The San Antonio Slayer, meanwhile, formed in 1982, and by this time consisted of Bob Catlin (guitars), Ron Jarzombek (guitars), Steve Cooper (vocals), Don Van Stavern (bass), and Dave McClain (drums). Though they hadn't secured a major record deal and primarily played smaller venues, their Prepare To Die EP earned them a dedicated local following. Their only full album, Go For The Throat, would eventually be released posthumously in 1988. Still, they left a lasting impact on the San Antonio scene.

The gritty atmosphere of The Villa Fontana, packed with loyal metalheads, was the perfect setting for this battle of bands. Rumors of legal action by the S.A. Slayer over the name added fuel to the anticipation. S.A. Slayer had already seen the L.A. band perform in Austin, and although tensions were high, there was a sense of mutual respect, even if Kerry King was reportedly less welcoming than the other members. The show was sold out, thanks to both the intrigue around the shared name and the quality of the lineup. L.A. Slayer was already making waves in the underground scene, while S.A. Slayer commanded a loyal following, despite not playing live as often.

The energy on the night was electric. Local bands Syrus and Militia opened, priming the crowd before S.A. Slayer took the stage. With songs like “Ride Of The Horsemen” and “Power To Burn,” they solidified their status as local heroes. The guitar work of Catlin and Jarzombek, alongside Cooper’s fierce vocals and the solid rhythm section of Van Stavern and McClain, made a lasting impression.




Local magazine Metal Edge noted some tension between King from Los Angeles Slayer and Jarzombek of S.A. Slayer. King reportedly felt intimidated by Jarzombek’s technical skills. Despite this, there were moments of camaraderie, as when Jeff Hanneman playfully jumped on Bob Catlin’s back—a show of mutual respect between the bands.

When Los Angeles Slayer took the stage, the crowd’s excitement was palpable. Kerry King’s quip, “It’s time to meet this other fucking Slayer,” set the tone for their set, which included tracks like “Evil Has No Boundaries” and “Chemical Warfare.” Though they delivered a strong performance, it was impacted by their grueling tour schedule and the intense stage heat. Still, their set underscored why L.A. Slayer would go on to become thrash metal legends.




The “Slayer vs. Slayer” event has since become a revered part of metal history, celebrating S.A. Slayer’s local impact and L.A. Slayer’s rise to global fame. It reminds us that some of the most defining moments in metal come from raw passion, far from mainstream influence.

Aftermath:
S.A. Slayer eventually disbanded, with members finding success in other bands—Don Van Stavern with Riot, Dave McClain with Sacred Reich, and Ron Jarzombek with Watchtower. Vocalist Steve Cooper sadly passed in 2006, yet his contributions to metal are celebrated.





L.A. Slayer continued their ascent, eventually joining the “Big Four” of thrash metal. Despite the loss of Jeff Hanneman, they remain one of metal’s most influential bands.

The “Slayer vs. Slayer” legacy is honored annually at The Villa Fontana, with a fan museum, memorabilia, and gatherings of those who witnessed the event. Bootleg recordings allow fans to relive that historic night.





The “1,000 MPH or Death! Slayer vs. Slayer” showdown stands as a testament to the unfiltered energy and spirit of that generation, embodying the dedication and intensity that defines metal.





Sources:
• Two Bands Enter, One Band Leaves - The Battle of Slayer vs. Slayer 1984 - Cherry Bomb (Metal Injection), published February 16, 2020
• Slayer vs. Slayer: Battle of the Bands Interview - Dave Everley (Metal Hammer), published February 14, 2024
• Concert Archives: The Villa Fontana
• Return to the Metal Capital: A Celebration of the San Antonio ’80s Metal Scene - Joel Pena (SA Sentinel), published July 7, 2019