-The band was already formed in 1978, but it wasn't before 1983 the band released a demo, weren't You ready for it before?

Juan Garcia: Mel Sanchez and Mark Caro formed the ABATTOIR in High School, and at first the band was a cover band playing the Hollywood circuit, but it wasn't until Metal Massacre IV that ABATTOIR started to get recognition; once we decided to write and perform all originals. So to answer your question the band wasn't really a full blown professional band until 1981-82 and the first release was the ABATTOIR demo with Raul Preston on vocals that featured "Screams from the Grave" written by Mel Sanchez and myself.

-Will there be demo stuff on re-releases or otherwise?

Juan: We are talking about recording some new material and perhaps packaging with old demos and stuff like that, but it will probably come out digital on i-Tunes in the future, the way the recording industry is right now, it doesn't really make sense for us to release a new album, but who knows if a label comes along and throws us some money we might just record a new album, and re-record some of the older demos.


-When and why the band actually decided to re form, I mean I read about the live album "No Sleep Til Kalamazoo" in '01, but nothing specific actually...
-is chosen for this line up because of the "Vicious..."album or?

Juan: Abattoir reformed for a few tribute albums put out by Dwell Records; a tribute to IRON MAIDEN, and the band covered "Sanctuary" and also a tribute to SAXON, with ABATTOIR covering "Motorcyle Man" and also a tribute to W.A.S.P., with ABATTOIR covering "School Daze" as far as "No sleep 'Til Kalamazoo" it was a self release, I myself was not in that line up which consisted of Mel Sanchez switching from Bass to guitars, and also featured Mark Caro on Lead Guitar, and Steve Gaines handling the Vocals and Bass; however I was there when they did record the show, because I was playing with AGENT STEEl and we shared the stage that night.

-The album Ëvil Incarnate" was also released in the meanwhile, and a demo called "From The Ashes"

Juan: "From The Ashes" is what "Evil Incarnate" was suppose to be, meaning the recording got corrupted and files were missing so the band did their best to recover most of the tracks and released "From The Ashes" which is the demos of "Evil Incarnate"

-Can we espect new Evil Dead and Abattoir releases soon?

Juan: We are talking about releasing a digital single or Ep with ABATTOIR in the future yes. We are talking to a promoter for a possible EVIL DEAD reunion show in Europe for 2010 so we will see what develops.

-And can You tell if there's already some material written?

Juan: There is material written that has not been officially released yes.

-Hopefully You sold a lot of t shirts, maybe due to the fact they were just 10 euro's?

Juan: Actually we did decent with the merchandise yes, and for those who still want a shirt they can visit Razamataz Merchandise company from the United Kingdom to get ABATTOIR shirts, just do an internet search for RAZAMATAZ merchandise U.K. since I forgot the link to the merchandise site.

-Steve gaines released a  solo album; "Anger As Art"back in '05, what kinda music is on it, and how did it sell?

Juan: It contains very aggressive speed metal with lots of ANGER! a bit violent sounding! AAA is signed to Old School Metal Records and they are also working on a new album for 2009.

-How did You look back on the reunion tour?

Juan: Good question; I think the last show of the tour which was sold out in Leeuwarden, Netherlands was the best show because the band was super tight live and very heavy sounding, that show we were on fire! Keep It True was decent but I think a few members were a bit nervous since it was the FIRST show ever in Europe and Keep it True Festival was sold out! I think when we played "Ace of Spades" and "Screams from the Grave" the place errupted in loudness and appreciation which was way cool.

-Was it just for a reunion, or will the band continue?

Juan: We have a show on September 12, 2009 in Los Angeles and there is talk of apossible European festival appearance for 2010; I think the band will continue to perform live yes.

-How far are the works on the DVD and what will be on it?

Juan: Not sure just yet, Keep It True will be releasing a few songs from our appearance at the festival for now.


-Last words, something to fill in?

Juan: Thank you for coming to see ABATTOIR live.

... Have me killed, but after a dozen of beers and with enough foot pain it was time for some rest and food. Yet, even in a passive mode, I can recall the power of Juan Garcia and Co. in their 60-minute set; I just couldn’t follow this time (that’s a good drawback in great fests, haha!). The sound was as needed, the band seemed to be in fine mood and - for those familiar to the US Speed Metal band’s deeds - nothing could go wrong.

The whole "Vicious Attack" (1985) masterpiece was performed and - apart from some tracks of the"The Only Safe Place" follow-up - a take on EVILDEAD’s "Annihilation Of Civilization" was applauded. ABATTOIR’s Speed/Thrash/Heavy holocaust ending pair was a disaster: "Screams From The Grave" followed by a cover version of the "Ace Of Spades" classic left - I guess - only a minority unsatisfied; quite reasonable, in my opinion. The band’s setlist was as follows, from what I can recall:

ABATTOIR setlist:

01. "Bring On The Damned"
02. "Game Of Death"
03. "Don’t Walk Alone"
04. "Vicious Attack"
05. "The Enemy"
06. "The Living And The Dead"
07. "Hammer Of The Gods"
08. "Under My Skin"
09. "Annihilation Of Civilization"
10. "Everybody Dies"
11. "Stronger Than Evil"
12. "Screams From The Grave"
13. "Ace Of Spades"...

(credit : Greg for metal-temple.com)

Live at Baroeg, Rotterdam, Holland on April 26th, 2009...

Enjoy...

Thanks to B.B. for these cool pics...

It was really awesome to see fans coming with Abattoir releases to get signed... what was expected at a signing session haha but also with Anger As Art CD's, Evil Dead stuff, and even Metal Massacre IV vinyl!!

KIT is the best!

credit : all above pics by B.B.

Check Abattoir on KNAC... April 12th before their Black Castle show in LA next week...

Save some cash to grab one at the coming shows...

As we can now have up to 10 songs playing on the page, please drop us a message here with the 4 other songs you'd like to hear...

This page is for you, the fans so it's time to show your support...


Thanks again for paying attention, and see you on the road soon...

"Greetings...Just a quick update to let everyone know that ABATTOIR has been rehearsing for the upcoming European tour and also the upcoming warm up show at the Black Castle in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 18th. Today we had Guitarist Danny Oliverio stop by the rehearsal studio and jam a few of the ABATTOIR classics with us! yes 3 guitar players! it sounded killer! We can see why bands like Molly Hatchet, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and even IRON MAIDEN use 3 guitarist live; the sound is much fuller! It was a great rehearsal and Danny will be joining us live onstage at the Black Castle for a few songs....make sure to come out and support the L.A. metal scene on Saturday, April 18th at the Black Castle." Rob

Mark Caro's announcement:

"I would like to thank you all for your kind understanding. Due to health reasons i won't be going with Abattoir on the European dates. Candidly, we still have yet to arrive at a diagnosis for my ailment. They thought it may be a form of sleep apnea, but, its not that at all. We are still testing."

"In regards, to KIT, its really frustrating for me because once the show was booked, I worked'practiced very hard on my guitar playing to give Europe the best guitar performance ever - some new skillset goodies for the fans.. but, I realized after one rehearsal something was seriously wrong."

"He may though make a guest apperance on the L.A. warm up set shceduled on April 18th at the Black Castle" Juan Garcia said earlier this week.

So let's wait and see, and in the meantime Mark can be sure everyone going to see the band live for the first time in Europe will shout the chorus for "Screams From The Grave " even louder, especially for him...

See you next time in Europe Mark!

I honestly never thought we'd see the day when Abattoir would make it to Europe - WITH Juan Garcia, no less. Of course the opportunity arises at the exact same time as the release of Anger As Art's 3rd full length - due in spring/summer 09. But what a friggin' gas to be able to bring Abattoir to our rightful home soil. I see that some additional dates are being added - but the big one is clearly going to be Keep It True 12.

For ANYONE in Germany who ever wondered what the Troubadour was like in 1984, you will get it at this festival. You have no idea what the friendly, yet competitive rivalry was like between us and Armored Saint back in the day. And come on, Lizzy Borden, our pals from literally the same neighborhood Tyrant, and even Ruthless? I hope we are all on the same plane over to Germany and back - should be a hell of a trip.

Inevitably, the question arises - what does this mean for the future of Abattoir? The short answer is - nothing! This may be all you'll get from us - as we all have priorities outside of the band. I will be out with ANGER AS ART for the next 2 years after we complete this. But the cool thing is that we finally got to a place where we are able to go out and perform if a good opportunity arises.

See you maniacs in Germany in April!

Abattoir update from J. Garcia

Greetings! We started this MySpace page to keep you updated about the selective upcoming ABATTOIR 2009 tour dates. It was a honor to receive an invitation from the promoter of the KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL for ABATTOIR to perform at the upcoming event on April 24-25, 2009; so the band regrouped for this special occasion. ABATTOIR is officially confirmed to perform on FRIDAY, April 24th; so we got to thinking since the band is making its maiden journey to Germany we might as well do a few more shows. Our good friend Mario from Rock Tribune Magazine (BE) and also ALCATRAZ BOOKINGS was kind enough to take on ABATTOIR and help us out with the possibility of booking the additional shows, so far 1 extra show has been added on Saturday, April 25th in Vosselaar, Belgium at BIEBOB (way awesome!! I've had the privelege of performing there with AGENT STEEL a few years back; great PA + Lights and great hospitality; great metalheads turn out to this top notch venue). So we will keep you inform on further developments with the ABATTOIR 2009 live shows.


A few weeks back, I was contacted by Mel and Mark to do the KEEP IT TRUE reunion show and of course I accepted the opportunity; why not? this was my first band ever! I went to High School with these guys; We use to be one of the top drawing bands of the L.A. Metal Scene back in the day; ABATTOIR, ARMORED SAINT, W.A.S.P. ruled the Troubadour and venues alike; infact we even helped out SLAYER get their first show there back in the "Show No Mercy" "Live Undead" days.


First rehearsal; this was an amazing experience! Me, Mark Caro, Mel Sanchez, Steve Gaines, and drummer Rob Alaniz got together on a Sunday evening for the first time and jammed pretty much through the whole "VICIOUS ATTACK" album; and Mark Caro's guitar playing was amazing at rehearsal! Well, a few weeks later we were all informed by Mark that he would not be able to make the KEEP IT TRUE FESTIVAL XII which totally bummed us all out; talk about a high to low experience; we thought about cancelling out of the K.I.T. Festival, but the fire was there and Mark gave us his blessings to find a replacement guitarist for the European dates; so I recommended a few guys to the rest of the band, one of them being guitarist Tim Thomas who helps out AGENT STEEL on live shows; so Tim came up to the second ABATTOIR rehearsal and did what he does best, shred; the whole band is performing the ABATTOIR songs with total conviction...it sounds awesome already! On the live front; Tim Thomas will be the replacement guitarist for Mark Caro (hopefully Mark will be back at sometime after the European dates in late April '09); believe me we all wanted Mark to be there with us on stage, and we are grateful that Tim stepped in and committed to the ABATTOIR legacy and journey. Europe see you soon!!!


ABATTOIR 2008-'09 Line up for the upcoming European tour: Mel Sanchez (bass), Steve Gaines (vocals), Juan Garcia (guitars), Rob Alaniz (Drums), Tim Thomas (guitars).