Cut throat metal act ABATTOIR surfaced in Los Angeles during 1978. The band bowed in with a two track demo in 1983 with an inaugural line up of vocalist Raul Preston, guitarists Mark Caro and Juan Garcia, bassist Mel Sanchez and drummer Danger Wayne. The band debuted live at the notorious Troubadour but by ABATTOIR's studio session for the track 'Screams From The Grave' included on the now illustrious 'Metal Massacre IV' compilation Preston was ousted in favour of erstwhile SCEPTRE frontman John Cyriis. This valuable exposure led to support slots to W.A.S.P. and METALLICA.

Line up ructions beset the band though, with both Cyriis and Garcia quitting to form AGENT STEEL and Danny Amaya coming in as a new face on the drumstool. ABATTOIR was brought up to strength with the addition of vocalist Steve Gaines (brother of STRYPER bassist Tim Gaines) and guitarist Danny Oliverio. ABBATOIR's debut album, released on Combat Records in America and Roadrunner in Europe, featured a cover of the MOTÖRHEAD classic 'Ace Of Spades'.

Gaines departed to form BLOODLUST releasing the 'Terminal Velocity' single in 1988. His replacement was ex-HERETIC singer Mike Towers (nee Torres) who appears on the slightly tamer 'Only Safe Place' album, which was released on Noise Records in Europe, although they retained a deal with Combat in America. Sanchez quit in 1988 to create EVIL DEAD.

Eventually scuttled by continuous line up hassles ABATTOIR finally split. However, more than a decade later the band came out of retirement debuting with cover versions for tribute albums.

ABATTOIR lent their touch to Dwell Records IRON MAIDEN tribute 'Call To Irons', W.A.S.P.'s 'School Daze' and SAXON's 'Motorcycle Man'. With interest resurging in mainland Europe German label Century Media re-released both albums as ABATTOIR, now comprising of Gaines, Sanchez, Caro and drummer Kevin McShane prepared for a full blown return. ABATTOIR would bounce back in October of 2001 with the live album 'No Sleep 'Til Kalamazoo'. Not only did the band give a nod to MOTÖRHEAD's infamous live album but confirmed their appreciation with a cover version of 'Ace Of Spades'. The album, a strict limited edition, was made only available through the band's website.

ABATTOIR were busying themselves with recording of a fresh studio album provisionally entitled 'Evil Incarnate' during the latter half of 2001. Mid 2002 found frontman Steve Gaines in league with DARK ANGEL and DREAMS OF DAMNATION guitarist Jim Durkin, MASTABA six stringer guitarist Marcelo Lima and drummer Al Mendez in the project band PAGAN WAR MACHINE. Steve Gaines signalled his intention to issue a solo album, billed 'Anger As Art', in August of 2004.

As ABATTOIR readied a new album for 2005 release through Artillery Music a special concert, being filmed for DVD to mark the 20th anniversary of the 'Vicious Attack' album, was set to include appearances from original members bassist Mel Sanchez, guitarist Mark Caro, drummer Robert Wayne, and guitarist Juan Garcia. German Heavy Metal band POWERGOD cut a cover version of 'Screams From The Grave' for inclusion on their 'Long Live The Loud – That's Metal Lesson II' released through Massacre Records in July 2005.

Gaines' ANGER AS ART concept flourished into a whole new band entity, the singer being joined by HANGAR 18 and RAVEN MAD guitarist William Rustrum, NEW EDEN bassist Javier Marrufo with Mars Castro of COFFINTEXTS and DREAMS OF DAMNATION on drums.