In November of 2003 TexasMetalUnderground.com was contacted by Jessica Sauceda, niece of Syrus bassist Julio Paz.  Jessica was kind enough to send us copies of some of her personal memorabilia and share some of her memories of Syrus and other great bands of the San Antonio scene.  Coolest among the items she sent us is a newspaper clipping from 1986 featuring a story on Rockfest '86.  This legendary event was staged by the Junior class of Southwest High School in San Antonio and featured Syrus, WatchTower, Juggernaut, and other bands playing at the school's stadium!  If anyone has video footage of this event, please contact us at TexasMetalUnderground.com!  Check out some of Jessica's items below and click on the image for a larger view.

In the mid-1980's San Antonio was a hotbed of Texas Metal activity.  Local heavyweights Slayer, Juggernaut, Karian, and Wyzard were leaders of a scene seething with talent and enthusiasm.  Syrus emerged from this scene with powerful songs, intelligent lyrics, and a commanding dual guitar attack.  the band was formed in 1984 by guitarists Al Berlanga and Johnny Castilleja and  rounded out by vocalist Mike Vasquez, drummer Ken Ortiz, and bassist Julio Paz.  Syrus, fully aware of the immense local talent, took their place in the local metal hierarchy seriously and practiced endlessly to perfect their craft.  This dedication paid off as they soon became respected members of the burgeoning local  metal scene and were called upon to open for such touring acts as Paul Dianno's Battlezone, Omen, and Fates Warning.  A 6 song self-titled demo was released throughout Texas in 1986.  Surprisingly well produced for a self-financed demo, it featured rich, intertwined guitar leads,  driving rhythms, and a good dose of technicality.  Samples from each of the songs from this demo can be heard here.

In April of 2003 TexasMetalUnderground.com had the honor of conducting an interview with Syrus founding member Al Berlanga and original vocalist Michael Vasquez.  Check out our Interview section for an in-depth look at the band and an insider's look at the San Antonio chapter of the Texas Metal Underground.