Uncle Slam was an American crossover thrash band from Los Angeles, California, formed in 1987, which shared some members with Suicidal Tendencies. Many of their songs were about politics, rebel themes, death, pain, and violence.
History
Uncle Slam was formed as offshoot of a previous band called The Brood in 1987, by singer/guitarist Jon Nelson, singer/guitarist Todd Moyer, bassist John Flitcraft, and former Suicidal Tendencies drummer Amery Smith. Flitcraft was replaced by Louiche Mayorga, another former member of Suicidal Tendencies. Another bassist for Uncle Slam, Bob Heathcote, later joined Suicidal Tendencies.
Their first album, Say Uncle, was released in 1988 by Caroline Records. Despite the band having no relation to slamming death metal, the lead track for this album, "Weirdo Man" uses a guitar riff in the beginning very similar to the slam riff. Notably this album was released three years before the Suffocation album which is usually cited as the first slam riff.
Numerous personnel changes slowed the production of the band's second album, and Will Work for Food was finally released in 1993 by Restless Records. A performance that year gained the band positive notice from the Chicago Tribune, which called the band an important new practitioner of its genre. Their final album When God Dies was released in 1995 by Medusa Records, after which the band broke up.
Members
Last line-up Todd Moyer – lead guitar and backing vocals (1984–1995) Simon Oliver – bass (1987–1989, 1991–1995) R. J. Herrera – drums (1994–1995)
Former members Jon Nelson – lead vocals and lead guitar (1984–1987) † John Flitcraft – bass, backing vocals (1984–1986) † Louiche Mayorga – bass (1986–1987) Bob Heathcote – bass (1987) Angelo Espino – bass (1989–1991) Amery Smith – drums and backing vocals (1984–1994)
† = Members who were present when Uncle Slam was known as the Brood.
Timeline
Discography
Studio albums
Year of release Title Label 1988 Say Uncle Caroline Records 1993 Will Work for Food Restless Records 1995 When God Dies Medusa Records
Demos Year of ReleaseTitle1987Say Uncle preproduction demo1987Demo '871988Say Uncle
References
External links Uncle Slam at BNR Metal Pages