San Antonio Slayer - Go For The Throat (1984)

Just because these guys have the word Slayer in their moniker doesn't mean they churn out similar evil to the thrash kings - mind you, this is still pretty much hyper thrash from the '80s and they did co-exist alongside Slayer back in the day. Sadly, fragile vocals are on show here, although 'The Witch Must Burn' shows the band attempting some type of melody before launching into a skull-ripping attack. Trouble is, most of this sort of stuff was recorded in a dank cellar, and with those amateur vocals and scuzzy guitars you can hear why SAS would've made a great, albeit brief cult act but nothing more. The childish yelps which override 'Hell Will Be Thy Name' prove to be the album's major downfall and once the needle pops off the record, even when you're head hits the pillow you'll never escape those nasty screeches. After one or two listens of 'Go For The Throat' you'll be left with a crud-lined needle! Extra 1/2 mark added for the seemingly sinister cover!

5.5/10