One of many later entires into the US Thrash scene, California's UNCLE SLAM manged to record and release a respectable three albums. Founded in 1987, both vocalist / guitarist Todd Moyer and drummer Amery "AWOL" Smith, previously a member of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, were members of the shortlived Los Angeles act BROOD. Initially PREDATOR, DISSENTER and L.S.N. man Angelo Espino occupied the bass position. Espino would exit for REVEREND. After recording one album as BROOD the pair added ex-SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Louie Mayorga and changed the name to UNCLE SLAM. However, Mayorga was not to last long as he was replaced by Simon Oliver before the debut record. The debut arrived on the Caroline label in 1988 and the cover art featured an twisted mascot based on the beloved American icon, Uncle Sam.

A long five years was to pass before the band released a second album, the Warren Croyle produced 'Will Work For Food'. The band was now on the Restless label and it also featured Uncle Sam the mascot, now rendered by popular Metal artist, Ed Repka. The band also made an ambitious attempt at covering LED ZEPPLIN's 'Dazed And Confused'.

Another couple of years passed and Amery Smith was replaced by another former SUICIDAL TENDENCIES man, R.J. Herrera, also formerly of PHOBIA. A third album, 'When God Dies', appeared on the Medusa label. Ed Repka contributed the album art once again. Herrera raised his profile after UNCLE SLAM's demise with FEAR FACTORY. Amery Smith resurfaced in BS 2000, a collaboration with AD Rock of the BEASTIE BOYS, with whom Smith often sat in on drums.