Uncle Slam was a crossover thrash band out of California with strong Suicidal Tendencies ties. The band was active between 1987 to 1995, made three albums, and two of these are featured in this set. Will Work for Food and When God Dies are combined in this very impressive package from Dissonance Productions. At this point the only missing record is band’s debut, Say Uncle, from 1988. It has to be noted that both albums featured here are long out of print, and are difficult to locate. Uncle Slam might have been forgotten for a few years, but this set changes that. Many fans of course will discover this band for the first time. They weren’t a huge band back in their time, but they certainly had a following.
The music Uncle Slam plays is definitely underground thrash metal with definite pun/hardcore influences. The term crossover was used back then to describe how metal and hardcore blended into something new. There is definitely aggression here within those two records. The world slam isn’t used here by mistake, the music is made for live performances, and some intense stage diving and slamming. Such was the nature of the scene back then, and Uncle Slam reflects that.
Both albums are great, humorous in a way, but definitely heavy and powerful. There is a very specific sound bands from California had back then, and it’s definitely here. The funny thing back then that fact was not noticeable, but years later things like that become evident. It’s great to see those regional touches in the styles throughout the country. It definitely made each band special and unique. After not having heard these albums in a while, it feels very refreshing to experience them again. In some ways, you find a new way of appreciation, not to mention re-discovery. Uncle Slam definitely knew how to pack a solid punch back then.
Mark Kadzielawa
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