On February 11, 1991, the legendary Slayer performed most of their new album, “Seasons in the Abyss,” along with other career-spanning tracks during an 80-minute set at the RPI Houston Field House in Troy, New York, with support from Testament, and local Capital Region band Attica.

We’re joined again by Jason Bittner, lifelong Capital Region resident and world-renowned drummer, and Mike Valente, founding member of national touring act Brick by Brick, owner of Black N Blue Productions, and founder of the Extreme Music Awards, to recount their unique metal memories of that night in the Collar City.

As members of the burgeoning 518 heavy music scene as members of different bands (Suspended Animation for Jason, and Attica for Mike) both were gunning for an opening slot for Slayer’s Troy show, something that would be decided by a Battle of the Bands at Saratoga Winners the night before.

In our episode, Mike and Jason wade into the friendly dispute over the results of the battle, Mike shares his memories of opening for Slayer with Attica and the hostile reception they received from fans, and Jason recalls his chance backstage encounter with then-Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo that began more than three-decade friendship between the two metal legends.

Episode artwork photo courtesy of Mark Kurtzner, http://facebook.com/mark.kurtzner

Episode Notes:

• Setlist: Slayer, RPI Field House, Feb. 11, 1991
• Album Info: Seasons in the Abyss
• https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2018/01/25/tour-awesome-new-titans-bloc-1991/
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahDPXwvAmKY (1987 interview with Slayer about getting Lombardo back in band)
• Testament, Allentown, PA - Feb. 12, 1991 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek_D04U3z_U

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

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